Sex dolls and robots are increasingly popular as technology advances, allowing users to customize their preferences. This trend raises ethical concerns regarding dehumanization and the potential normalization of harmful behaviors. While some experts argue that these dolls could provide a safer outlet for certain urges, others warn of the implications for societal views on sexuality, especially concerning child-like dolls. Additionally, sex dolls are seen as a potential solution for individuals struggling with loneliness, particularly within incel communities.
The Rise of Sex Dolls: A New Era of Intimacy
Coffee without caffeine, sugar-free sweets, alcohol-free wine – and now, the concept of sex without physicality is making waves. Philosopher Slavoj Zizek predicted this trend back in the 1990s, suggesting that society is increasingly engaging with experiences stripped of their core essence, a phenomenon he termed “emptied simulation.” Today, as the market for sex dolls and robots expands, experts are raising concerns about the implications of this new form of intimacy.
The Controversial Evolution of Sexuality
With just a few clicks online, individuals can create a customized sex doll, complete with preferred breast size, skin tone, eye color, and even intimate hairstyles, with prices reaching up to 10,000 Swiss francs. Advances in technology, such as heating systems that mimic warm skin and artificial intelligence, make these dolls increasingly lifelike. The emergence of doll brothels has also sparked debates about their societal impact.
While some activists and researchers argue that the normalization of sex dolls may lead to a dehumanized view of women and children, others question the consequences of such developments. The German and Swiss governments have taken steps to ban child-like sex dolls, yet the scientific basis for this decision remains unclear. There’s a lack of evidence proving that users of sex dolls are more likely to engage in harmful behaviors toward women and children. In fact, some research suggests that these dolls might serve as a safer outlet for certain inclinations.
Kathleen Richardson, a British professor specializing in AI ethics, argues that child-like dolls embody sexual violence against children. She advocates for a comprehensive ban on sex robots and dolls, claiming that they normalize degrading behavior toward women and children. Feminists such as Alice Schwarzer and Canadian Megan Walker echo this sentiment, likening the disposable nature of silicone dolls to the treatment of real women in society.
However, Johannes Fuss, director of the Institute for Forensic Psychiatry and Sexual Research at the University of Duisburg-Essen, seeks to establish a more nuanced view. He emphasizes the need for factual discussions surrounding the motivations behind doll ownership and whether these users pose a greater risk to society. Fuss contends that the portrayal of men engaging with child-like dolls incites strong negative reactions, yet it is essential to differentiate between fantasy and reality.
Research indicates that some individuals with pedophilic inclinations may actually seek alternatives like sex dolls to avoid harming real children. Fuss suggests that understanding these dynamics is crucial for child protection efforts: “If it turns out that the dolls contribute to child protection, it would be wrong to ban them.” A 2023 survey conducted by Fuss and his colleague Jeanne Desbuleux found that some participants who used dolls reported a decreased urge for illegal acts.
Fanny De Tribolet-Hardy, who leads the Prevention Center for Pedosexuality in Zurich, shares her concerns about the societal implications of child-like dolls. She believes that while legalizing such dolls may not produce victims, it could influence how society perceives sexual acts involving real children. Nonetheless, Fuss emphasizes the need to consider how sex dolls might provide a protective function, rather than simply viewing them through a moral lens.
Amidst these discussions, another group is emerging in the realm of sex robots: lonely individuals struggling to create meaningful relationships. Fuss notes that the market has identified this demographic, particularly within incel communities, where highly realistic dolls are promoted as companions. In a recent survey, over half of the 217 sex doll owners reported that they view their dolls as genuine partners, indicating a potential solution for those feeling isolated.