Sex robots: the irreplaceable value of humanity

The use of sex robots may become widespread in the future.1 2 3 But therapeutic use of sex robots is based on a mechanical view of sexuality.

Sexual dysfunction depends on interactions between physical, psychological, sociocultural, and relational factors.4 Sexual activity with robots is a masturbatory practice, so someone with sexual dysfunction, which already leads to isolation, might become even more isolated by the illusion of having a substitute satisfaction.

These robots might also be used to satisfy the needs of disabled and elderly people.1 2 But sexuality is multidimensional (not exclusively physical, but also affective and relational), so this might also lead to increased isolation and frustration. Robots have no empathy or relational skills: they can only fake them.

Could sex robots reduce sexual crimes and paedophilia by directing these impulses towards objects rather than women and children? This is a misunderstanding of sexual violence and assumes that rapists and paedophiles are motivated by the need to satisfy sexual urges. Such a reductionist perspective trivialises the complexity of sexual violence, which involves issues of dominance and psychological manipulation. Robots do not suffer.

Accepting the production of these sex robots is unethical because it legitimises the objectification of human beings. The multiple concerns raised by such a business should be controlled and discussed by committees composed of experts in technology, sociology, psychology, and bioethics.