As artificial intelligence becomes part of intimacy, new ClarityCheck research reveals deep generational and gender divides over what constitutes betrayal in a digital age.
The boundaries of fidelity are shifting as artificial intelligence enters the domain of intimacy. According to recent findings from ClarityCheck, which defines sexting in this context as the exchange of sexually explicit messages or content with an AI-powered chatbot or avatar, based on a survey of over 3,000 respondents, 64% of singles now consider sexting with AI chatbots or avatars a form of infidelity, while 22% classify it as “emotional betrayal” without labeling it as outright cheating. Just 14% reject the idea that such behavior qualifies as cheating at all.
ClarityCheck’s survey data reflects growing ambiguity around what digital behavior crosses the line in romantic relationships. While physical and emotional boundaries remain strong, technological advancements are pushing cultural definitions of loyalty into new and uncharted territory.
Younger users show the most permissive attitudes. Among those aged 18 to 25, 31% believe sexting with an AI does not constitute cheating. This contrasts sharply with older participants: only 9% of those over 45 share that view. Women across all age groups were more likely than men to define AI-enabled intimacy as a breach of trust, with 71% versus 58%, respectively, calling it cheating.
The rise of AI-driven romantic tools, from customizable avatars to chatbots designed for sexual expression, has outpaced the norms that typically govern human relationships. The rapid normalization of these technologies is forcing a collective re-evaluation of what kinds of digital intimacy undermine real-world trust.
The survey also examined how users view other grey areas of fidelity. 79% said sending intimate selfies to a stranger constitutes cheating. 52% believe that maintaining a secret dating profile while in a relationship crosses the line. When asked about flirtatious texting with a colleague, 47% called it cheating, while another 38% considered it inappropriate, though not infidelity.
Generational differences extend beyond definitions of cheating to expectations around transparency. 68% of respondents under 30 said they would expect access to a partner’s phone or messages if cheating were suspected. Among those over 50, that figure drops to 41%. This suggests a growing culture of digital vigilance, where devices and digital footprints serve as proxies for trust.
ClarityCheck’s research underscores a cultural pivot: betrayal is no longer defined solely by physical acts, but by behaviors that test emotional boundaries in virtual spaces. As tools for digital intimacy evolve, so too do the rules of commitment and the consequences for breaking them.
About ClarityCheck:
ClarityCheck is an all-in-one background verification tool for phone numbers, emails, and images. Designed for everyday digital safety, ClarityCheck helps users instantly identify unknown contacts, trace suspicious profiles, and check for potential fraud across phone, email, and photo input. By combining reverse lookup and OSINT technologies, it offers a streamlined way to verify identities and protect yourself online.
ClarityCheck is an all-in-one background verification tool for phone numbers, emails, and images. Designed for everyday digital safety, ClarityCheck helps users instantly identify unknown contacts, trace suspicious profiles, and check for potential fraud across phone, email, and photo input. By combining reverse lookup and OSINT technologies, it offers a streamlined way to verify identities and protect yourself online.
Media Contact:
ClarityCheck
pr@claritycheck.com
Lauren Fellows
PR Manager
ClarityCheck
pr@claritycheck.com
Lauren Fellows
PR Manager