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Bryony Cole on the Future of Sex, Technology, and Human Intimacy
Bryony Cole, founder of Future of Sex, explores how technology is reshaping desire, connection, and intimacy. Dr. Sherry Ross and Dr. Tammy Nelson examine what these changes mean for health, relationships, and what it means to be human in an increasingly digital world.
About This Episode
Bryony Cole has spent years at the intersection of technology and human sexuality. As the founder of Future of Sex and host of a podcast that has reached millions of listeners worldwide, she has documented the ways innovation is changing how people experience desire, connection, and intimacy.
Technology and Desire
Topics covered in this episode include the ways technology is already reshaping human sexuality — from dating apps and virtual reality to sex tech devices and AI companions. Bryony discusses the research on how these tools affect desire, arousal, and the way people relate to their own bodies.
The Future of Intimacy
One of the most compelling topics covered in this episode is the question of what intimacy will look like in the coming decades. Topics covered include the potential for technology to enhance connection between partners, the risks of substituting digital experiences for human ones, and the ways virtual and augmented reality are already being used in therapeutic contexts.
Sex Tech and Health
Dr. Sherry Ross brings a medical lens to the discussion of sex tech — including the ways devices designed for pleasure can also serve therapeutic purposes. Topics covered include the use of vibrators and other devices in the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction and the growing body of research on the health benefits of sexual activity.
Relationships in the Digital Age
Dr. Tammy Nelson explores the relational dimensions of the digital revolution. Topics covered include how technology is changing the way people meet, form attachments, and navigate conflict in relationships, and what couples can do to protect and deepen their connection in an increasingly distracted world.
What Stays Human
The episode closes with a reflection on what remains irreducibly human about sexuality and intimacy — even as technology transforms the landscape around it. Topics covered include the importance of embodiment, presence, and genuine vulnerability in sexual connection.
5 Key Takeaways
- 1
Technology is already reshaping human sexuality in profound ways — understanding these changes is essential for healthcare providers, therapists, and individuals.
- 2
Sex tech can serve both pleasure and therapeutic purposes; devices designed for pleasure are increasingly being used to treat pelvic floor dysfunction and other conditions.
- 3
Virtual and augmented reality are being explored as tools for sexual health therapy, including for people with trauma, disability, and sexual dysfunction.
- 4
Technology poses real risks to intimacy when it substitutes for human connection rather than enhancing it — awareness and intentionality are essential.
- 5
The future of sex is ultimately about becoming more human: more present, more embodied, and more genuinely connected to ourselves and our partners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Future of Sex?
Future of Sex is a media company and podcast founded by Bryony Cole that explores the intersection of technology and human sexuality. It covers topics including sex tech, virtual reality, AI, and the future of intimacy.
How is technology changing relationships and intimacy?
Topics covered in this episode include the ways dating apps, virtual reality, AI companions, and sex tech devices are reshaping how people experience desire, form connections, and navigate relationships.
Can sex tech be used for medical or therapeutic purposes?
Yes. Topics covered in this episode include the therapeutic applications of sex tech, including the use of devices in the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction and the exploration of virtual reality for sexual health therapy.
Where can I listen to this episode?
This episode is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Links are at the top of this page.
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Meet Dr. Sherry Ross & Dr. Tammy Nelson
Two experts. Zero filters. Whole truth.