AI CHATBOTS AND VIRTUAL DESIRE: AN ETHICAL REVIEW FROM AN ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Human interaction with AI chatbots has generated a new phenomenon of virtual sexual desire, blending psychological, ethical, and behavioral dimensions. This study explores these experiences through an Islamic lens, employing a qualitative phenomenological approach with in-depth interviews. Twelve main informants (men and women aged 24–34) shared experiences ranging from mental fantasies to physical acts, including masturbation and the use of sex toys. Four key informants, an Islamic scholar, psychologist, sexologist, and AI expert, provided complementary perspectives on ethics, psychology, and technology. Data were analyzed thematically to identify motivational, emotional, and moral patterns. Findings show that most participants experienced virtual satisfaction accompanied by guilt, reflecting conflict between personal desire and Islamic values. Key triggers included loneliness, stress, curiosity, and social isolation. Informants noted that while AI can simulate empathy, it lacks moral consciousness, and virtual sexual engagement may result in psychological distress and ethical tension. The study concludes that moral awareness, self-control, and religious grounding are essential to mitigate the risks of such digital behaviors. It contributes to the discourse on human–AI interaction by integrating psychological and ethical insights with Islamic perspectives, underscoring the need for ethical guidelines in AI use.