Humans are wired to feel good when we get the kind of touch that we want. But when we can’t get that, it’s bad for both our physical and psychological health. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, most Americans said that they weren’t getting enough intimacy and affection, and this number has only increased since. So how can we fill this touch void in our lives? Could modern technology offer some solutions? In today’s show, we’re going to discuss digital touch and whether tech might offer new and effective ways to meet our need for intimate contact.
I am joined once again by Dr. Michael Banissy, an award-winning Professor in Social Neuroscience and a science communicator. He has received multiple prizes for his contributions to Psychological Science, including a medal from the British Psychological Society. Touch Matters: Handshakes, Hugs, and the New Science on How Touch Can Enhance Your Well-Being is his first book (note that in the UK, his book is titled When We Touch).
Some of the topics we discuss in this episode include:
- Why is touch crucial to making virtual reality an immersive experience?
- How close is modern technology to mimicking real-life sensations of touch?
- To what extent can technology be an effective substitute for human touch?
- Is it realistic to think we can get the same benefits from mechanical touch that we can from human touch?
- What are the ethical concerns surrounding digital touch?
Make sure to check out Michael’s website to learn more, and connect with him on 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.
Sex and Psychology Podcast