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NCSH in the News

AI Is Making Dating Less Messy, Less Judgmental—and Less Fun – Cosmopolitan

More singles are using AI to analyze dates, texts, and potential partners, but experts warn that relying on it too heavily can reinforce biases, fuel over analysis, and reduce the spontaneity and vulnerability of dating. Data from the Kinsey Institute, an NCSH member, is featured.

Is Boredom Behind “Out of Control” Sexual Behavior? – Psychology Today

Research suggests boredom may be linked to hypersexual or “out-of-control” sexual behavior, with people sometimes turning to sex, masturbation, or online sexual activities to cope with feeling under stimulated. Justin Lehmiller of the Kinsey Institute, an NCSH member, authored this article.

AARP’S “IN THE MOOD” SERIES
NCSH is providing experts for AARP’s advice column, available to AARP members (via a paywall), reaching up to 15 million people monthly. The most recent articles include: 

Is a Romantic Relationship With a Chatbot Cheating? – AARP

Whether an AI romance counts as cheating depends on a couple’s boundaries, but experts say it can cross a line when chatbot interactions are hidden, become sexual or romantic, or begin replacing emotional intimacy with a partner. NCSH arranged interviews with Rachel Needle, Amanda Pasciucco, Marianne Brandon, and Stella Harris.

Other News This Week

HPV Home-testing Kits Available for Women in England Who Have Missed Cervical Screening – BBC

The NHS in England will offer free at-home HPV self-testing kits to nearly four million women who have missed cervical screening appointments, aiming to make screening more accessible and increase participation.

Reports Of Sexual Assault in The Military Declined for Third Straight Year, Pentagon Says – CBS News

Pentagon data show sexual assault in the U.S. military declined for the third straight year, with reported unwanted sexual contact falling among both women and men in 2025.

Can You Still Date Men While Decentering Them from Your Life? – Cosmopolitan

“Decentering men” encourages women to prioritize their own needs, values, and relationships rather than organizing their lives around men or romantic partnership, without necessarily giving up dating or relationships with men.

What Is Homonormativity? – Psychology Today

Homonormativity describes pressure on gay people to conform to heterosexual norms to gain social acceptance.

Introducing ‘Cushioning,’ the Latest Toxic Trend That Dating Experts Say Is a Red Flag – VICE

“Cushioning” is a dating behavior in which someone in a relationship maintains flirtatious connections, exes, or other potential partners as backups in case their current relationship ends.

Thousands Of Sex Offenders in England and Wales Could Get Libido-Suppressing Drugs – The Guardian

England and Wales are considering expanding a voluntary program that uses medications to reduce intrusive sexual thoughts, arousal, and libido among some people convicted of sexual offenses.