The History of Sex Dolls: From Sailor Dolls to Contemporary AI

The history of sex dolls traces back to the 19th century when vulcanized rubber allowed for the creation of inflatable dolls. At that time, these dolls were displayed at fairs, arousing curiosity and innuendos. They originally consisted of detachable parts that could be inflated and assembled. The dolls were often sold to straight men and associated with avoiding contact with sex workers, especially in colonial contexts. Over time, the dolls evolved, becoming more realistic, but still largely catering to the heterosexual male gaze. However, there is a lack of historical evidence regarding dolls made specifically for women or queer individuals. Currently, the future of sex dolls remains uncertain, with debates around the ethical, moral, and social implications of sex robots and AI in the realm of human intimacy.