Sex Robots in Couples Sex Therapy and Infidelity
Imagine being able to have a jealousy-free threesome or orgy? Sex robots are being manufactured for these purposes and more. Technosexuality is an emerging sector within the sex industry, and there are many new, exciting innovations coming out of it! When paired with couples sex therapy, technosexuality may help many individuals develop a happy, healthy, and consensual sex life. I want to acknowledge that the field of sex robotics comes with many ethical implications and has the potential to perpetuate harmful stereotypes, specifically in terms of the male gaze and fetishizing the feminine form. In this sense, I want to clarify that this article is a mere peek into the world of sex robotics and addresses the possibility of a sex robot used consensually by sex therapy clients. The implications of the male gaze and fetishization in terms of the ethical production and use of sex tech will not be addressed within this article, but I encourage you to keep these topics in mind while reading.
What Even is a Sex Robot?
The sex robot is not a new technology, and it was evolved from “sex doll precursors that stem back as far as the 16th century.” A quick google search defines a sex robot as an “anthropomorphic robotic sex doll.” Sex robots sometimes fall under the label of “ sex tech.” Sex tech, according to atlasofthefuture.org, can be defined as “technology designed to enhance, innovate and disrupt in every area of human sexuality and human sexual experience.” With all of the textbook definitions out of the way, a sex robot is ultimately a sex toy created to mimic the sensation of sex with an actual person. While the bot is not a wholly animated doll, it can speak and make facial expressions. Ultimately, a sex robot is meant to provide its user with an experience as close to real-life intercourse as possible.
The newest model of a female sex robot called the Harmony 3.0 has a robotic, self-lubricating vagina! Since the experience can be relatable to real-life, sex robots may be used in tandem with sex therapy beneficially. Ian Kerner, a sex counselor, based in the US, has said that “the life-like bots will allow couples to enact fantasies they might not otherwise try with a human.” If you’re having intimacy issues with your partner, a sex therapist may suggest the inclusion of a sex robot in couples therapy. This is because the robot can spice things up in the bedroom without dealing with the jealousy issues that may arise when another human is involved. The bots have even been credited with having the power to save long-distance relationships, as a sex robot is not an actual human being. More than this, sex robots also have the potential to help virgins or individuals who have anxiety when it comes to intercourse.
“Techno- Infidelity”
Our Respark founder, Heather McPherson, has a bit of advice regarding infidelity and the inclusion of a sex robot into your sex life. In couples sex therapy, communication is a crucial factor, and relationship improvement is often contingent on clear communication and boundaries. In this sense, Heather notes that “if you haven’t discussed [intercourse with a sex robot] with your partner, it’s cheating.” Although a sex robot is not a human, it is built to mimic human sensations. Moreover, sex can be very intimate- even if it is with a machine- and your partner(s) may feel betrayed if you engage in any sort of intercourse without their knowledge.
Psychologists have even gone as far as to research the topic; one notable studied titled Perceptions of Infidelity with Sex Robots was published this March (2021) by Nina Rothstein, Dalton H Connolly, Ewart de Visser, and Elizabeth K Phillips. The research focuses on monogamous relationships in the US. It focuses and focuses on “perceptions of the degree to which various behaviors, when engaged in with a sex robot or a human, would constitute monogamous relationship infidelity.” I do want to acknowledge that the study considers the “portrayal of sex robots as hyper-feminized female sexual partners for men” and notes the possible implications of such. With this in mind, the research concludes that intercourse with a robot does have the potential to be viewed as infidelity. This research stands to support Heather’s advice, as Perceptions of Infidelity with Sex Robots “ suggests [that] it is possible to commit relationship infidelity with a sex robot, and as a result, their use can pose harm to human relationships.” Overall, sex robots have the power to both hurt and benefit relationships, in this sense that it’s essential to communicate with your partner(s) before incorporating any sort of sex tech into your intimate life.
By: Alyssa Morterud