The craze for sex robots will lead to a growing number of men whose only sexual and romantic relationships will be with dolls, academics say.
So-called “digisexuals” will shun human partners in favor of the new kind of virtual reality porn and customizable robots able to speak and interact.
The warning comes in a study of the growing use of sex dolls, including at the world’s first brothel staffed entirely by robots.
High-tech sex dolls with realistic silicone skin and the ability to flirt and even simulate orgasms have become increasingly available.
Psychotherapists should be prepared for more clients “participating in digisexualities,” says a report by ethics researchers Neil McArthur and Markie Twist of the University of Manitoba.
They write: “There is no question that sex robots are coming. Our view is that they will represent a different sort of sexual experience from what existing technologies offer.”
“People will form an intense connection with their robot companions.”
“These robots will be tailor-made to meet people’s desires and will do things that human partners cannot or will not do.”
“For this reason, significant numbers of people will likely come to use robots as their primary mode of sexual experience.”
“Many people will find that their experiences with this technology become integral to their sexual identity and some will prefer them to direct sexual interactions with humans.”
Sex doll technology has advanced in recent years as companies produce life-like robots costing up to $20,000.
Buyers can hand-pick features such as face, hair and breast size.
And the dolls are programmed to remember the owner’s birthday and favorite films and music.
Some can be made to feel warm like real flesh and simulate an orgasm during sex.