This is a difficult topic to talk about, but I want to heavily preface that I don't believe the technology should be encouraged as a supplement of "authentic" material. There is a reason that, as a society, we collectively agree that the sexual exploitation of minors is a form of abuse.

In my opinion, there is a lot we don't understand about the human mind and we should not be encouraging that AI is a "better" option. It is a very, very difficult subject to discuss succinctly, and I am by no means an expert, but I do not feel that suddenly presuming that the use of generative AI with a more ethical foundation for producing such content is a safe approach. It may encourage and normalise the exploitation of children or encourage people to progressively seek more thrill-seeking behaviour, which will result in people being hurt.

Ultimately, the only thing I can say is that anyone who has such thoughts should seek professional help. That includes paedophiles and anyone who may be slipping down a slop that AI seems to be encouraging.

It's a fascinating topic philosophically, but the discussion has very, very real, and lifelong consequences.

Also, I want to emphasise that I am not an AI researcher. I do have an education, but I'm not there yet. This is just something I think and worry about a lot.