Steve Lightspeed has spent over two decades shaping the adult internet and exploring how AI can make connection feel personal. In this Lab Talk, he shares what it means to build intimacy at scale and why the future of technology begins with understanding human desire.

AI automation is everywhere on social media right now — but most of what we see is theater. Promises of “hands-free income streams” and “AI agencies” usually lead to generic content engines, not sustainable businesses. But beneath the noise, there are clear signals about where the real value lies. The Strengths of Real AI Automation 1. Solving expensive, time-sensitive problems  The most impactful automations aren’t flashy. They’re the ones that save a business money every si

In this edition of Lab Talks, we speak with Dr. Igor Khalatian , founder and CEO of Ideal Match Inc. , the company behind Iris Dating  and BestLook.ai . Igor’s work represents one of the most ambitious intersections of artificial intelligence and human behavior: using data to understand attraction. His approach combines evolutionary psychology, computer vision, and predictive modeling to uncover what truly drives mutual connection in a world dominated by algorithms and surfac

Spending in AI markets is beginning to concentrate among three distinct user groups. Understanding who pays, why they stay, and how they use these tools is key to building sustainable business models. This article examines the emerging economics behind AI adoption and what it means for product strategy and growth.

At TES Prague, Dark Forest Labs hosted a panel on how AI is reshaping traffic, marketing, and product innovation. The discussion highlighted adoption trends, monetization strategies, and how independent players can outpace big tech by moving faster and thinking smarter.

Forget funnels. Forget CAC. The future of marketing is relational, and it’s already here. Marketing isn’t about capturing attention, it’s about keeping it. And nothing keeps attention like feeling understood. While traditional funnels sputter under the weight of rising ad costs and plummeting engagement, a quiet revolution is unfolding in the uncharted territories of the experience economy. AI Companions aren’t just chatbots with better dialogue—they’re emotional engines driv

AI influencers are evolving fast — from fantasy aesthetics to hyper-real digital personas. In our second Lab Talk, Daniel Lopez (Head of Brand Marketing @ Lovescape) unpacks how UGC and co-creation drive loyalty in NSFW spaces, and why authenticity beats polish in building sticky communities.

AI companions are moving fast — from novelty chats to full-blown retention engines shaping the future of adult monetization. In our first DFL Lab Talk, Alina (Head of Affiliates @ Joi AI) breaks down what really drives user loyalty and cashflow: emotional gravity, not just NSFW output. From celebrity clones to custom bots, she shares the monetization loops that work today — and the signals pointing to where intimacy at scale is heading.