Episode 194: Sex Dolls, Sex Robots, and Chatbots

Modern sextech is rapidly changing the way people gratify their sexual and intimate desires. Sex dolls, sex robots, and chatbots are starting to become more accessible and popular. In today’s show, we’re going to discuss who is using these new technologies, their motivations, and the complex debate that’s playing out in the popular media about whether sextech is a positive or negative force in our lives.

I am joined by Dr. Kenneth Hanson, an Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of Wyoming in the Department of Criminal Justice and Sociology. Using qualitative and mixed methods, his work has examined social issues related to artificial intelligence, sexuality, emotions, and sex toys. He has published papers about dating apps, the sex tech industry, Reddit, and sex doll owners.

Some of the topics we discuss include:

• How many people have ever used a sex doll, chatbot, or sex robot?
• How are age, gender, and relationship status associated with sextech use?
• What are some of the key factors that motivate people to use sex dolls, chatbots, or sex robots?
• How effective is sextech at meeting people’s needs for intimacy and companionship?
• What are some of the key ethical concerns related to sextech?

Be sure to check out Kenneth’s website to learn more, and follow him on Twitter to stay connected.

Thank you to our sponsors!

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/SEXANDPSYCH and get on your way to being your best self.

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Support sex science by becoming a friend of the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University. Visit kinseyinstitute.org to make a donation to support ongoing research projects on critical topics. You can also show your support by following the Kinsey Institute on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.