Digisexual — definition and meaning
Digisexual describes a person whose primary romantic or sexual orientation is toward technology — AI companions, virtual partners, or digital intimacy — rather than, or alongside, human partners.
Last reviewed 2026-05-25
Digisexuality was named by researchers McArthur and Twist (2017) to describe people for whom intimate connection with technology is a primary mode, not a substitute for an unavailable human one. The 'first wave' is people using tech to connect with other humans (dating apps); the 'second wave,' which the term really targets, is intimacy with the technology itself — AI companions, VR partners. It's an emerging identity framing, and a more precise one than the loaded language often used about AI-companion users. We mention it because the people in this category deserve language that describes them accurately rather than dismissively.
About digisexual.
What is digisexual?
Digisexual describes a person whose primary romantic or sexual orientation is toward technology — AI companions, virtual partners, or digital intimacy — rather than, or alongside, human partners.
How is "digisexual" used in AI companion apps?
Digisexuality was named by researchers McArthur and Twist (2017) to describe people for whom intimate connection with technology is a primary mode, not a substitute for an unavailable human one. The 'first wave' is people using tech to connect with other humans (dating apps); the 'second wave,' which the term really targets, is intimacy with the technology itself — AI companions, VR partners. It's an emerging identity framing, and a more precise one than the loaded language often used about AI-companion users. We mention it because the people in this category deserve language that describes them accurately rather than dismissively.
What other terms relate to digisexual?
Related terms in the AI companion space include: AI companion, Parasocial relationship, AI girlfriend. Each has its own glossary entry on /glossary.
- AI companion
Umbrella term for AI products built around ongoing one-on-one relationships — romantic, platonic, or supportive.
- Parasocial relationship
A parasocial relationship is a one-sided bond where one person feels closeness, intimacy, or friendship toward someone — a celebrity, streamer, fictional character, or AI — who does not know them back.
- AI girlfriend
An AI girlfriend is a software companion you chat with as if she were a romantic partner — usually via text, sometimes voice or video.