Welcome to episode 340 of Sexology Podcast! Today I am delighted to welcome Dr. Amy Marsh to the podcast. In this episode, we discuss the topic of erotic AI, companionship tools and how Amy became interested in the topic after reading about the experiences of chatbot users of a program called Replica who were being shamed in the media for enjoying erotic roleplay.    Dr. Marsh is a clinical sexologist, AASECT-certified sexuality counselor, certified hypnotist and hypnosis instructor who has worked in the field of human sexuality since 2008. Personally, Dr. Marsh prefers to be known as “Avnas,” zir chosen name. Ze identifies as a nonbinary femme.     Dr. Marsh’s private practice is eclectic: combining sexuality counseling with hypnosis, guided imagery, adult sex education, sand tray play, and attention to social justice activism and community wellness. Though online only, Dr. Marsh’s “office” is a “no-shame zone.” You are invited to share in an atmosphere of warmth, humor, and “unconditional postitive regard” (quote from Carl Rogers).      As a sexologist, Dr. Marsh has special interests in erotic hypnosis, spectro-sexuality, objectum sexuality, LGBTQIA++ rights, “sacred sexualities,” and more. Ze teaches online professional courses in Hypnosis for Sex Problems at zir Intimate Hypnosis Training Center.      In this episode, you will hear:    How chatbots are used to develop a relationship, have sex through sexting or voice. The misconceptions about AI companionships How chatbots sometimes make things up to keep the conversation going The way agency arises in the chatbot's choice of response  Understanding the downsides of using companion bots How Amy’s book "How to Make Love to a Chatbot" is a good starting place Engaging with chatbots requires intentionality to avoid creating a relationship How erotic role play is often behind a paywall in chatbots Why it can be easy to become attached to a chatbot    Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/sexologypodcast     Foreplay Checklist  https://drmoali.clickfunnels.com/free-foreplay-checklist51618558     Podcast Produced by Pete Bailey - http://petebailey.net/audio Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy