Rena Malik, MD Podcast How AI Companions and Sex Dolls Quietly Change the Way You Think About Love ft. Dr. Ken Hanson
Nov 21, 2025
Dr. Ken Hanson, a sociologist investigating sex technology, discusses how sex dolls and AI companions are reshaping intimacy. He reveals the diverse demographics of users and their motivations for embracing these technologies. The conversation explores the emotional attachments formed with AI, potential therapeutic benefits, and the risks of dependency. Hanson also highlights ethical concerns, community dynamics, and the stigma surrounding sex tech, offering insights into its complex impact on modern relationships and loneliness.
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Research Began From A Simple Question
- Dr. Ken Hanson began sex-tech research after noticing high doll prices and few user-focused studies.
- He set out to learn who buys sex dolls, why, and what they get from them.
How Modern Sex Dolls Are Designed
- Sex dolls are full-size silicone or TPE bodies with articulated joints and genitals for interaction.
- Many dolls are hypersexualized with exaggerated breasts and penises compared to real averages.
Robots vs. Dolls: Tech And Scale
- Sex robots add mechanized movement, facial motion, heating, and AI integration but remain rare and costly.
- Most users still buy non-robotic dolls; robots are a tiny niche due to price and limited capabilities.