A new study backed by sex tech company Kiiroo and Canadian academics digs deep into how internet-connected sex toys, or “teledildonics,” are not just catching on—but reshaping the way people experience intimacy, connection, and pleasure.
It’s not just about buzz anymore. Sex toys have gone smart, syncable, and, in some cases, social. And no, we’re not talking about novelty gadgets gathering dust in bedside drawers. These new devices are redefining what it means to be physically close—even when you’re miles apart.
Teledildonics, the catch-all term for internet-enabled sex toys, isn’t just some fringe curiosity. The technology is weaving itself into relationships, solo routines, and even mental health discussions. As researchers and companies invest millions into understanding how these toys impact sexual well-being, the conversation has officially shifted—from taboo to serious science.
From Backroom Taboo to Frontline Tech
Ten years ago, no one would’ve guessed that Bluetooth and orgasms would go hand in hand. But here we are.
What started with simple vibrators and mechanical stimulators has quickly become a booming sub-sector of the tech industry. Teledildonic devices now boast features like:
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Real-time haptic feedback
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Partner-controlled stimulation via apps
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Integration with adult VR platforms
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Heat sensors to simulate body warmth
A 2024 Canadian survey found that over 75% of adults had used sex toys with a partner. In Germany, that number climbs to 52%. Australia’s more modest at 16%, but adoption is rising everywhere—especially with Gen Z and millennials, who grew up digital and see these gadgets as natural extensions of their sex lives.
Science Is Paying Attention—And So Are Investors
This isn’t just about better orgasms. Teledildonics are attracting serious academic and commercial interest.
At the University of New Brunswick and Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), researchers teamed up with Kiiroo to study the mental and emotional impacts of these devices. Their focus? Whether teledildonics could enhance sexual well-being.
In their findings, users of connected toys reported more frequent feelings of intimacy and satisfaction—even in long-distance relationships. One respondent noted, “It’s not just getting off. It’s feeling like someone’s actually there.”
The market’s watching. In 2024 alone, global sex tech investments surpassed $1.3 billion, with the teledildonic segment growing 17% year-over-year, according to Future Market Insights.
Remote Control, Real Emotions
One of the biggest shifts in sex tech isn’t mechanical—it’s emotional.
People aren’t just using teledildonics to replace touch; they’re using them to recreate connection. During lockdowns, demand for app-controlled toys spiked. Long-distance couples began incorporating synced sex toys into regular routines like video calls or “date nights.”
One person’s phone becomes another’s remote. And yes, that’s turning heads.
Critics call it gimmicky. Supporters say it’s transformative. The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle.
But there’s no denying the feedback loop: the better the tech, the more users treat it like a real form of intimacy.
Who’s Using What, and Where?
Different countries are warming up to connected toys at different speeds. Here’s a snapshot from recent studies:
| Country | Sex Toy Usage (with partner) | Popular Types |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | 75% | Vibrators, Anal Toys, Masturbators |
| Germany | 52% | App-controlled Vibrators |
| Australia | 16% | Manual Stimulators |
| United States | 40%+ | Syncable Vibrators, VR Devices |
Interestingly, heterosexual men and women in the U.S. show similar usage rates—around 40–45%. That parity didn’t exist a decade ago, pointing to changing attitudes around self-pleasure and tech-enabled intimacy.
The Big Question: Does It Actually Help?
So, what’s the takeaway? Do teledildonics make us happier?
Researchers tread carefully here. Madison E. Williams, a psychology PhD student at the University of New Brunswick, says, “We’re seeing early evidence that these devices, when used intentionally, can support emotional connection and individual sexual satisfaction.”
But not everyone’s sold.
Critics warn of “digital detachment,” where users may come to prefer tech over human intimacy. Others argue that real intimacy can’t be emulated by firmware updates and Bluetooth signals, no matter how sophisticated.
Still, the benefits are getting harder to ignore—especially for marginalized groups or those dealing with disability, trauma, or long-distance relationships.
And some users just find it fun. That’s valid too.
A New Kind of Bedroom Talk
Sex is changing. So is the language around it. Phrases like “teledildonics” and “haptic intimacy” are slowly entering the mainstream, showing up in relationship therapy sessions and even on college syllabi.
The biggest shift, though? People are talking about it—out loud.
Forums, group chats, Reddit threads, even TikTok lives. People are more open than ever about how they use tech to explore, connect, and feel good. The shame is fading. The curiosity isn’t.
Whether it’s a brief buzz or a new lifestyle addition, internet-enabled sex toys are here—and they’re forcing us to rethink how we define physical presence, emotional closeness, and, well, love.
