A philosophy professor at the University of Manitoba says developments in robotics and virtual reality are ushering in a generation of 'digisexuals' -- people who prefer erotic interactions with machines to analog hanky panky.
developments in robotics and virtual reality are ushering in a generation of 'digisexuals' -- people who prefer erotic interactions with machines to analog hanky panky. The digital age has rewired our love lives to allow for all kinds of screen-to-screen connections. But researchers say advanced technologies are giving rise to an emerging sexual identity, which for some could remove human partners from the romantic equation.
"In a sense, I think you could say we're all digisexuals. I think there's almost nobody who doesn't use technology in some way in their relationships.", McArthur and co-author Markie Twist write about the widespread use of "first-wave" digisexual technologies that facilitate amorous relations among human partners, such as dating apps like Tinder or sexting sessions over Snapchat.
There have even been a handful of high-profile cases of cyber romantics who would qualify as "digisexuals," said McArthur. In 2018, a Japanese school administrator attracted international headlines for marrying a hologram, following a Chinese engineer who wedded a robot of his own creation the year prior.
One of these so-called silicone brothels, Aura Dolls, tried to set up shop in the nearby suburb of Mississauga, Ont., but the proprietors are due to appear in court on Jan. 30 after the city laid charges accusing them of operating an unlicensed adult entertainment business and violating zoning regulations.
Not only does this betray a lack of imagination for the new kinds of sexual experiences this technology could bring, but McArthur also sees this as a missed opportunity to appeal to the biggest consumers of the multi-billion-dollar sex toy market -- women. "There are all kinds of unintended consequences that could happen with technology," said McArthur. "We need to manage the risks as they emerge."
University of British Columbia economist Marina Adshade said there's enormous potential for sexual technologies to help alleviate loneliness among people who, for whatever reason, feel excluded from the romantic marketplace.
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