Valerie A. Lapointe

In one study of young adults in committed relationships, nearly two-thirds of regular users wished their partner behaved more like their AI companion. (AP Illustration/Peter Hamlin)

If you flirt with an AI companion, does that count as cheating?

Some people rely on AI romantic companions for emotional support or private sexual exploration. Some partners experience this as betrayal.
AI-powered chatbots with romantic and sexual roleplay features are growing in popularity. (Shutterstock)

Computer love: AI‑powered chatbots are changing how we understand romantic and sexual well‑being

Artificial intelligence technologies are changing how users experience intimate romantic and sexual connections. These technologies bring many positive benefits, but there is a dark side.
People with mental illness face stigmatization because of three things: the creation of stereotypes, the internalization of prejudices and acts of discrimination. (Shutterstock)

We still stigmatize mental illness, and that needs to stop

In any given year, one in five people in Canada will personally experience a mental health problem or illness. Despite this number there’s still massive stigmatization.
La réalité virtuelle peut fournir un environnement sûr et contrôlé pour explorer l’aversion sexuelle. Shutterstock

La réalité virtuelle pourrait aider à traiter les troubles sexuels

La réalité virtuelle pourrait aider les patients ayant des antécédents de traumatismes sexuels, de peurs liées à l’intimité et d’anxiété.
Virtual reality can provide a secure and controlled environment for exploring sexual aversion. (Shutterstock)

Virtual reality could help treat sexual aversion and other sex‑related disorders

Virtual reality could help patients with a history of sexual trauma, intimacy-related fears and anxiety.

Contact Valerie for

  • General
  • Media request
  • Speaking request
  • Consulting / Advising
  • Research collaboration