Musk alone knows what the future holds. Flying cars or underground (overhead) tunnels? Life on Mars? On the moon? Many people are working to make this a reality. But there are also more mundane, physical things that are not alien to us. Everyone knows that robots will become sex toys (and maybe even partners) for humans. But nobody knows how it will change people. To understand the mental impact of sex with robots and its ubiquity, several British researchers decided to revise all the data on this issue. Their findings were published this week in BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health magazine.
Let's dig a little deeper: at least four companies in the sex technology industry ($ 30 billion) are already selling sex robots, which scientists define as "realistic mannequins with variable age, appearance and texture and customizable oral, vaginal and anal holes." … Of course, this is far from the robots from the brothels of "Westworld", but modern models already cost $ 17,000 for the most realistic.
Some companies are already developing more advanced bots that can support conversations in addition to sex services. Research shows that 40% of men are willing to buy a sexbot in the next five years. And 49% of men are ready to enter into a relationship with a "super-realistic" doll.
What does all this threaten? Scientists don't know. Their search has raised exactly zero science-based research on the topic. But that doesn't stop proponents of sex with robots from making “optimistic” predictions about the health benefits these devices might bring. Among them: robots can provide safe sex, help with sexual dysfunction, alleviate feelings of loneliness and satisfy people's needs for intimacy. However, no research has been conducted to support these ideas.
But what if these statements turn out to be unsafe for us? Some fear that sex robots will increase violence against women, diminish the value of seeking human intimacy, or negatively impact "real" romantic relationships. Again, there is no research to support or disprove this.
And the lack of research is easy to explain: for a long time, such robots could not be bought. Now that they are on the market, scientists can do a thorough research into the issues of sex with robots and protect us from unwanted consequences in the future. It remains to find volunteers for research.
Ilya Khel