The impact of AI on sexual health knowledge, attitude and behaviour

Abstract

This paper explores the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in influencing knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour in sexual health. In recent years, the capability and application of AI have grown exponentially. AI has recently gained wider public attention due to the so-called democratisation of AI, such as the public accessibility of tools in the form of ChatGPT. With new evolving technologies, there is always the possibility for them to influence us both positively and negatively. There is a plethora of evidence and research analysing the development and application of AI, with a particular focus on behaviour, attitudes, and knowledge, especially within the field of health. However, there is a limited exploration of the impact of AI on sexual health knowledge, attitude, and behaviour. It has been recently widely documented that the UK is on the brink of a sexual health crisis, resulting in an increase in risky sexual behaviour and poorer sexual health outcomes, according to the Sex Education Forum (SEF). Sexual health provisions continue to face increased financial pressures, with face-toface services being dramatically reduced along with a stalled and inconsistent rollout of compulsory Relationship and Sex Education (RSE) resulting in a disparity in sexual health knowledge impacting behaviour and attitudes. To improve sexual health outcomes, there is scope to consider a new approach that incorporates the inclusion of AI. The paper discusses the potential for positive and negative AI influences on sexual health knowledge, attitude, and behaviour, identifies current gaps in sexual health and how these could be addressed, and presents future directions for research.