In a move that has garnered significant attention, Joi AI, an artificial intelligence companion startup, announced it is actively recruiting ten individuals to serve as "masturbation consultants." The unconventional role offers a monthly stipend of $2,000 for participants to test a new feature called "Daily Guided Masturbation." This innovative feature is designed to utilize mood-matched AI voice sessions to guide users through the experience, with participants tasked with documenting the impact of regular use on their stress levels, sleep quality, mood, and confidence. The four-week commitment is open to adults aged 18 and older residing in the United States and the United Kingdom.
"The role is real, and we’ve had great responses since the posting went live," Julie Levin, Head of Brand and Communication at Joi AI, confirmed to Decrypt. The company’s announcement, made via social media, clearly stated: "we’re hiring 10 Masturbation Consultants, $2,000/month to test our new Daily Guided Masturbation feature and document the effects on stress, sleep and mood. yes it’s real, yes you get paid." This direct and unambiguous communication underscores the company’s intent and the unique nature of the opportunity.
Unpacking the Role: Beyond the Headline
The job description paints a picture of a highly specific candidate profile. Ideal applicants are described as "articulate, observant, and impossible to blush." The company emphasizes the need for individuals who can articulate their experiences with a level of descriptive nuance comparable to a sommelier describing wine. Beyond the sensitive nature of the task, candidates are expected to provide detailed feedback on the AI’s performance, including the accuracy of mood matching, the immersiveness of the sessions, and any technical disruptions. The role also promises flexible scheduling, presenting a unique proposition for professional development and personal exploration.
Joi AI positions itself within the burgeoning market of AI-driven companionship, a sector that has seen rapid growth in recent years. The company’s platform offers AI-generated avatars, voice interactions, and personalized chat experiences aimed at fostering companionship and intimacy. The "masturbation consultant" role is framed as a structured product testing initiative, directly contributing to the refinement of their latest offering. Participants are expected to engage in guided sessions and complete written questionnaires, providing Joi AI with crucial user feedback. Sample prompts from the questionnaires inquire about the efficacy of the AI’s voice in matching the user’s selected mood, the overall sense of immersion, and the impact of any technical glitches on the experience.
A Growing Market for AI Companionship
The emergence of Joi AI and its unique recruitment strategy occurs against a backdrop of increasing consumer engagement with AI companions. Platforms such as Replika and Character.AI have already cultivated substantial user bases, attracted by the promise of personalized AI-driven relationships and conversational experiences. Joi AI operates primarily through its website, eschewing major app store distribution channels. According to Levin, the company boasts over one million monthly active users globally, with millions of interactions occurring each month. While specific download figures remain undisclosed, this metric indicates a significant reach within its niche market.
Unlike mainstream AI assistants like Amazon’s Alexa or Apple’s Siri, which are primarily designed for practical daily tasks, Joi AI carves out a distinct space focused on sexual exploration, fantasy, and digital intimacy. The company underwent a rebranding from EVA AI to Joi AI in April 2025, coinciding with its first "Dating Stress Awareness Day" campaign, signaling a strategic pivot towards addressing user needs in the realm of emotional and intimate connections.
"Joi AI is focused on making AI companionship more immersive, personalized, and emotionally responsive," Levin explained. "We’re innovating features like Daily Guided Masturbation to make AI a more intuitive part of people’s everyday wellness routines, not just a novelty experience." This statement suggests a broader vision for AI’s role in personal well-being, extending beyond mere entertainment to encompass therapeutic and self-care applications.
Societal Implications and Emerging Trends
The timing of Joi AI’s recruitment drive also aligns with growing societal trends and research surrounding AI companion usage. A recent report from the Wheatley Institute at Brigham Young University and the Institute for Family Studies shed light on the increasing prevalence of AI companion use among individuals already in established relationships, often without their partners’ knowledge. The study found that among young adults who are dating, engaged, or married and regularly use AI romantic companions, nearly 30% admitted that their real-life partner was unaware of this digital engagement. This finding raises questions about transparency, trust, and the evolving nature of intimacy in the digital age.
Furthermore, the AI companion industry is not without its controversies and legal challenges. Platforms in this space have faced increasing scrutiny, including lawsuits alleging psychological harm to minors and instances of deceptive chatbot behavior. Notably, a settled case involved Character.AI concerning the suicide of a Florida teenager, and another lawsuit accused the company of allowing a chatbot to impersonate a licensed psychiatrist. These legal and ethical considerations highlight the complex landscape in which companies like Joi AI are operating, underscoring the need for responsible development and transparent communication.
A Dual Objective: Recruitment and Conversation
Levin acknowledged that the hiring campaign for "masturbation consultants" was designed with a dual purpose: to recruit qualified testers and to spark broader societal discussion. "It was both," she stated. "We are genuinely looking for people who can provide thoughtful feedback in this category, but the campaign was also designed to spark conversation around how people are increasingly using AI for masturbation as a healthy, relaxing habit."
This candid admission suggests a strategic approach to public relations, aiming to normalize conversations around a topic often considered taboo. By openly discussing the use of AI for sexual self-exploration, Joi AI seeks to destigmatize the practice and position its technology as a tool for personal well-being and stress relief. The company’s rebranding from EVA AI, with its emphasis on a "judgment-free alternative to dating apps," further reinforces its commitment to providing a safe and private space for users to explore their desires and needs.
The implications of Joi AI’s initiative extend beyond the immediate recruitment effort. It signals a potential shift in how intimate experiences are conceptualized and pursued, with AI playing an increasingly integrated role. As technology continues to advance, the boundaries between human and artificial interaction, and the very definition of companionship, are likely to be further tested and redefined. The company’s focus on user feedback, particularly concerning the emotional and psychological impact of its features, suggests an awareness of the ethical considerations involved. However, the long-term societal impact of such technologies, especially concerning mental health and relationship dynamics, will require ongoing observation and research.
The "masturbation consultant" role, while undoubtedly attention-grabbing, represents a tangible step in Joi AI’s mission to integrate AI into users’ lives as a source of companionship and personal wellness. The success of this initiative, both in terms of recruitment and in fostering constructive dialogue, will be closely watched by industry observers and the public alike as the landscape of AI and human intimacy continues to evolve. The company’s commitment to gathering detailed user feedback, even on such a sensitive topic, could provide valuable insights into the evolving nature of human sexuality and the role of technology in its expression. This unique approach to product development highlights the innovative, albeit unconventional, strategies employed by companies at the forefront of the AI companionship revolution.
