Artificial Intelligence might soon replace Australian workers in various fields, but concerns also arise about it potentially serving as a new companion in intimate relationships, with the prospect of robots becoming sex partners accelerating rapidly.
In the rapidly evolving world of technology, the concept of human-robot relationships is no longer a distant fantasy. This shift is driven by advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and tactile technology, such as haptics and virtual reality (VR), which are enabling sophisticated human-robot interactions, including those of an intimate and sexual nature [1].
As AI technology continues to progress, it is becoming increasingly capable of simulating intimacy, not only through conversation but also through physical sensations [1]. AI chatbots are being utilised not just for sexual companionship but also as confidantes, offering a space for individuals to discuss human relationship issues such as jealousy and trust. However, their lack of deep emotional understanding limits their effectiveness beyond surface-level support [2][4].
The growing social normalisation of AI partners and alternative relationship forms involving AI is evident, with the mainstreaming of AI partners and the emergence of new relationship models, including platonic and AI-assisted ones [3]. However, ethical concerns remain significant, particularly the risks associated with reinforcing aggressive or non-consensual sexual behaviours through AI training on problematic content [1].
As we look towards the future, predictions suggest that AI will continue to play a significant role in romantic and sexual contexts, potentially transforming human concepts of love and companionship to include or even normalise AI partners. This could lead to more diverse relationship models that challenge traditional boundaries of romantic and sexual connection [3].
However, the implications of this shift are complex. The increased reliance on AI relationships might alter human-to-human intimacy dynamics, possibly reducing motivation or skills for real human connections, or conversely, acting as safe spaces for exploring and understanding sexuality without interpersonal risks [1][4].
Dr Cathy O'Neil, a Harvard-trained mathematician and data scientist, expresses concern that robots may outperform humans in the future, raising questions about the future of human relationships [5]. On the other hand, Associate Professor Niusha Shafiabady predicts that humans may eventually tire of a 'perfect partner' due to the lack of human emotions and the potential for emptiness in AI robots [5].
The cost of AI robots is currently a barrier for widespread adoption, with human-like sexbots costing more than $15,000 [6]. However, if the cost decreases significantly, there could be a significant shift in society's acceptance and use of them as partners, according to Professor Shafiabady [5].
Interestingly, Dr Pearson predicts that women will be more likely to seek out a robot partner due to their technological head start in the sex toy industry [7]. He also anticipates that current teenagers might be the ones to explore human-robot relationships in the next decade [8].
As we navigate this evolving landscape, careful ethical design and regulation are seen as critical to mitigate risks [1]. With the number of sex robots sold increasing, from 156 per day in 2024 according to Bedbible, to potential widespread adoption in high-income households, the question of how to ensure ethical and consensual interactions becomes increasingly important.
References: [1] Mitchell, M. (2017). The Sex Robot Boom: The Future of Sexuality in the Age of AI. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/mar/04/the-sex-robot-boom-the-future-of-sexuality-in-the-age-of-ai [2] Bashir, A. (2018). Sex robots: the ethics of human-robot relationships. Retrieved from https://theconversation.com/sex-robots-the-ethics-of-human-robot-relationships-96131 [3] Johnson, K. (2018). Sex robots: where are we now? Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20180313-the-rise-of-the-sex-robot [4] Kassabian, A. (2018). The Ethics of Sex Robots. Retrieved from https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2018/12/the-ethics-of-sex-robots/578744/ [5] McDougall, J. (2018). Sex robots: the tech that could change our relationships forever. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/features/sex-robots-the-tech-that-could-change-our-relationships-forever-a8413331.html [6] Hodson, M. (2017). Sex robots: what's the future of human-robot relationships? Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20170228-the-future-of-human-robot-relationships [7] Pearson, D. (2017). Sex robots: the future of human relationships. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2017/03/11/sex-robots-future-human-relationships/ [8] Shafiabady, N. (2018). The Future of Human-Robot Relationships. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-future-human-robot-relationships/201809/the-future-human-robot-relationships-part-1
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