From ChatGPT to virtual girlfriends, a range of weird and wonderful chatbots have emerged in recent months amid the spread of artificial intelligence (AI).
But the latest AI-powered app might be the most bizarre yet.
Users of erotic audio platform BLOOM can now send and receive sexts and voice notes from their favorite characters, with the launch of AI ‘role-playing’ chatbots.
This move, which its creators say will set a “new, realistic standard for fun,” will let BLOOM’s nearly half a million users chat directly with erotica characters and receive voice messages in the characters’ voices.
The AI model that powers these chatbots is trained to ensure they stay true to the style and personality of the audio story characters, so whether you’re chatting with Rob, the charming ranch hand, or late at night is having a conversation with ‘strict German ‘Professor Roman’, the AI ensures that the bot never breaks character.
Users of erotic audio platform BLOOM can now send and receive sexts and voice notes from their favorite characters with the launch of AI ‘role-playing’ chatbots
BLOOM CEO Hannah Albertshauser said the company aims to “create characters that our users can truly relate to – with our exceptional voice actors and talented writers bringing them to life.”
“When it comes to sexual content, we all have unique and specific desires that we want fulfilled,” she explained.
“And the more dynamic and customizable an experience can be, the better it can meet a user’s exact preferences and needs.
“This is what we want to change by introducing a feature that allows users to tell their favorite voices exactly what they’re into and what fantasies they want to explore.”
BLOOM says its platform targets a wide range of audiences and sexualities, and emphasizes that this new AI is built with safety in mind.
According to the company, the chatbots are trained to “consider consent and safe words” and will encourage users to direct the conversation, setting the tone of the interaction.
Sexologist and sexologist Susannah Weiss, who has previously written stories for BLOOM, said the characters are so respectful and affirming that they can be “helpful to people overcoming sexual trauma, relationship abuse or body image issues.”
Ms. Weiss added that she “left the conversation with my chosen character feeling elevated and excited to try out some of the fantasies we discussed with a living person.”
The AI model that powers these chatbots is trained to ensure they stay true to the style and personality of the audio story characters, so whether you’re chatting with Rob, the charming ranch hand, or late at night is having a conversation with ‘strict German ‘Professor Roman’, the AI ensures that the bot never breaks character
In any case of AI implementation, there are always concerns that increased automation could push human workers out of their jobs.
However, BLOOM and its voice actors remain positive about the potential impact of AI.
Erotic voice actor “Lizzy,” who wanted to keep her identity private, said that “AI is a concern when so many companies want things cheap, fast, and forever, so residuals and usage restrictions are critical.”
“Actors deserve to know exactly what their voice is being used for and have the opportunity to weigh in on each unique case,” she said.
“I think disclaimers that AI voices have been used will also become important as the voices become more and more realistic.”
However, Lizzy assures that BLOOM’s AI clearly indicates that her digital doppelgänger will only be used for this chatbot and will not be resold to other buyers.
Lizzy also says she receives residual payments every time her bot generates audio, meaning that “it’s basically like I’m getting paid to work.”
While BLOOM claims its unique approach to chatbots is an industry first, it isn’t the first company to let people live out their fantasies with an AI.
Earlier this year, Snapchat influencer Caryn Marjorie rented out a virtual AI clone of herself to fans to enjoy “erotic discourse” with a chat service that runs at $1 (80p) per minute.
Marjorie’s first was followed shortly by OnlyFans star Kaitlyn Siragusa, better known as Amouranth, who built a bot that allowed her followers to indulge in their “wildest fantasies” from the comfort of their smartphones.
For $1 (80 cents) per minute, users can chat with an AI-powered bot trained to mimic the star’s personality, and for a further $36 (£29) per hour, users can receive eerily lifelike voice notes of the AI Amouranth.