Intimate Creations
Participate in PhD research that explores the ways generative AI media is changing the experience of intimate digital encounters.
Two ways to participate:
Fill in our anonymous questionnaire below
Participate in our creative methods study
You will not be identified in the research
‘Make your voice heard. Empowerment through participation’
Are you a creator? Whether you're crafting characters, designing and interacting with companions, or generating imagery, your creativity is doing something genuinely new – and we're not just interested in what you make, but the imagination, choices and craft behind it. All creative approaches welcome, however niche, experimental or unconventional.
Participate by answering these anonymous questions - your responses will be used for research purposes only and will be analysed in aggregate form.
Keep scrolling below to find out more about how to take part through participatory creative methods…..
Creative Methods Research Participation
Can I participate?
To participate you must be are over 18 yrs old
You would have used, created or interacted with generative AI technology in romantic, intimate or sexual contexts for personal or wider uses
You are comfortable sharing your insights and lived experiences, making valuable contributions to both the positive and negative aspects of designing and interacting with this media.
How do I take part?
You will be asked to take part in a 60-90 minute, non-judgemental, gentle and fun, participatory creative methods interview with our researcher (full details below)
How will you protect my identity?
Only the researcher interviewing you will be aware of your identity.
Your consent will be required throughout the process.
You can leave the interview at any time without giving a reason.
The researcher will transcribe the information, all identifying features will be deleted, and a new name will be assigned to it.
The recording will be permanently deleted at the end of the outlined time period (see full data protection info below)
Why should I participate?
Make your voice heard. The conversation around AI and intimacy is being shaped by tech platforms and media – not the people actually living it. Questions of pleasure, harm and impact are too important for that. Your experiences and your perspective deserve to be part of shaping what comes next.
The Details
What will happen if I participate?
If you decide to participate, you will be asked to take part in a 60-90 min interview with our researcher.
We hope you will be comfortable sharing some of the images and/or characters you have created or interacted with, so we can discuss your creative process. If you don't wish to do this, you can still participate. The researcher will also provide alternative images and styles for discussion. These will be used as a starting point for discussion, ‘not too graphic, please’
You will work with the researcher using participatory visual mapping methods to discuss your thoughts and reflections on your creative process.
The interviews will be audio-recorded. Participants are guaranteed anonymity and will not in any way be identifiable from any comments made. Please review the full data protection details below.
Possible Risks
Whilst we hope the research process will be enjoyable and engaging, the discussion of sensitive subjects around relationship and sexual practice may be new, uncomfortable or even triggering experience for some participants.
Conversations will cover ethical discussions around various topics, including loneliness, sexual violence, and consent. The researcher is experienced in recognising and supporting trauma and distress and will be able to immediately support you and able to offer further signposting to relevant services if necessary. You will be able to leave the interview at any time without giving a reason.
Consent
Participants will be required to sign a written consent form before any data is taken.
Participants can exercise their right to withdraw their consent to participate or to the use of their interview transcripts, including any images made or collected during the process, before the transcription are completed and anonymised, approximately two months after the completed interview.
Privacy Information
What will happen to my data ?
This research complies with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Consent and data management processes are clearly outlined below. All ethical standards will be upheld honestly and transparently throughout the research to for the protection of participants.
Data Collection
Only necessary data will be collected, limited to the boundaries of the research aims.
Verbal data will be recorded onto secure independent dictaphones, not connected on any online source.
Pseudonyms will be used to ensure anonymity. Participants may choose their own pseudonym if they wish. All identifiable personal data and identifiers will be removed during transcription.
Data Storage and Retention
All recordings, transcripts and images will be stored securely on London Metropolitan Universities OneDrive account associated with the researcher’s university private login. OneDrive is encrypted and compliant with institutional and legal data protection requirements. No data will be saved on personal devices or external drives. Paper images, consent forms, or images sent via email will be scanned, and the originals will be destroyed. Audio recording and scanned image data will be stored for 5 years following the study’s completion, in accordance with London Metropolitan University's guidelines. All data will be securely destroyed after this time.
Disclosure of Illegal Activity
If a participant discloses their involvement in a serious crime or a time-specific threat to an identified future victim, these will be reported to the relevant authorities to prevent harm to an individual.
Complaints
If you wish to raise a complaint and feel you can’t address this with the researcher, please contact the London Metropolitan Ethics department. Complaints may ultimately be referred to the chair of the Research Ethics Committee at London Metropolitan University, researchethics@londonmet.ac.uk.
What will happen with the research?
This research will serve as the central component of the researcher’s PhD thesis. Once completed, the analysed findings will be published and used to inform the area of generative AI media used in romantic, intimate and sexual ways. It may be used in subsequent publications, book chapters, academic articles, and lectures. It may also be shared with stake holder group including academics, technology platforms, and government enquiries. Whilst your words may be directly used, all participants will be non-identifiable; total anonymity is guaranteed.
All images on this website are AI-generated by the research team. For further information, please contact: Intimatecreationsresearch@londonmet.ac.uk