Free robo-sex for everyone!!! Whoooo!

[tilmoph]

I think it would depend on how human like the things look, and more importantly, how solid their AI is. And making a solid AI would bring all kinds of consent arguments into it.

Of course, if we keep it to a realistic but weak AI, we sidestep those issues, in which case I can see a fairly large chunk of the population going for it. It will fulfill most of your social and emotional needs, and obviously the sexual ones, with none of the guesswork of "how do I get attractive", and none of the drawbacks of actual humans (arguments, jealousy, one needing space and the other wanting closeness, all those "wonderful" human flaws).

I'm not sure if I'd say these love bots would ever completely eclipse human/human pairings; honestly, without some truly astounding tech upgrades, I flat out doubt it could reach a 50/50 split, but a 30-35%% adoption rate for men and 5-10% for women seems pretty realistic to me.

 

[Aramis Night]

I'm always amused about how its assumed that men would be the majority of the customers for something like this despite that almost all women own a vibrator while not even half of men own a fleshlight. I suspect this would likely doom relationships between men and woman being the norm. As to if this would be ultimately good or bad however, I couldn't say.

 

[Headsprouter]

They'd definitely be more diverse than regular wimminz. I mean think about it, if you like red skin but aren't having any luck convincing a chick with severe burns to get with you, there's always FANTASY MIRACLE WET DEVIL Sexbot by Blowcorp!

I'd say it really depends on the culture they're being introduced to. In Japan where sex seems to be very "Whatever floats your boat!" kind of deal, and considering the popularity of "waifu-pillows" as we affectionately call them and the number of people similar to this [http://metro.co.uk/2010/03/09/man-marries-pillow-154906/], I'd say they'd fly off the shelves.

And I'm sure there'd be numerous agencies renting them out like robo-pimps.

As for the reduction of rape, I'm not sure. Considering the fall of birth rates these 'bots may not be good for the survival of humanity, and we may need to bring in a sort of breeding program...

Even so, by this time, we'll probably have an artificial version of almost everything, so I'm sure we'll get by.

My avatar is too cute for this thread.

 

[Blood Brain Barrier]

I can't believe people actually think this will happen. I mean, it will happen, no doubt about it, but only the part about making reasonably realistic robots. They won't be nearly as appealing as real men or women, ever. As long as they are being used to "replace" real sex, there will be an awareness that it's NOT real sex that will make it inferior to the real thing. That won't go away as long as you know it's a robot you're having sex with, however realistic it looks.

 

[ChaplainOrion]

Remember to please assume the position, FISTO has been made for your pleasure. Enjoy.

 

[NoeL]

I think it would be considered very creepy for males to use them, just how it's more acceptable for females to own sex toys than males.

That's only because up until fairly recently the only option for men was a blow up doll, and sex dolls are creepy because they're a replacement for a whole woman rather than just her junk, implying the guy's after more than just a hole. I'd say fleshlights are just as acceptable as vibrators, and male dolls are just as creepy as female ones.

OT: I'd give it a test drive, but I think it'll be quite some time before robots cross the uncanny valley and until that time I wouldn't want one.

 

[SuperSuperSuperGuy]

This reminds me of an episode of Futurama in which Fry dates a Lucy Liu robot. I'd post a video of the PSA on not dating robots from that episode, but I can't find it on YouTube. I think you can watch it on other sites if you look it up on Google.

OT: I... really don't know. As someone who finds it difficult to be attracted to real-world women, I'm skeptical about a sex robot. It'd be hard to make one that fits my... preferences. Besides, I'd need more than just sex, y'know? It'd be... empty and hollow and... not right...

 

[McElroy]

I can't believe people actually think this will happen. - - As long as they are being used to "replace" real sex, there will be an awareness that it's NOT real sex that will make it inferior to the real thing.

People already masturbate instead of having sex with people (and it's probably not a new thing). The sexy robo is just a masturbation aid. Now what you mean is that there's no way it will replace *relationships* and the sex you might have in one, but it could replace hookers and most other "meaningless sex".

I can't remember where it was, but someone said "If I don't have a robot blowing me when I wake up 10 years from now, I'll be disappointed." I second that sentiment.

 

[Blood Brain Barrier]

I can't believe people actually think this will happen. - - As long as they are being used to "replace" real sex, there will be an awareness that it's NOT real sex that will make it inferior to the real thing.

People already masturbate instead of having sex with people (and it's probably not a new thing). The sexy robo is just a masturbation aid. Now what you mean is that there's no way it will replace *relationships* and the sex you might have in one, but it could replace hookers and most other "meaningless sex".

No that's not what I meant. Relationships aren't part of this discussion. Human sex will always be better than robot sex, unless you're a robophile.

Although, it is my belief that you can't entirely separate relationships and sex, so maybe relationships do belong in the discussion. Part of the enjoyment of sex is knowing what you feel for your other, whether lust or whatever, is reciprocated. That's very much part of the experience, it isn't just physical humping. Maybe that's why I've never found hookers that appealing, even if they are very attractive.

 

[Thaluikhain]

I disagree, rape happens for all sorts of reasons, only some of it because of power. When a frat boy decides to have sex with a woman who's passed out on the sofa, is that because of power or because he senses an easy opportunity to get it wet at someone else's expense? Or how about a gang of young men who groom underage teenage girls to have sex with them in exchange for drugs or alcohol? Is that about power or just cheap easy no-strings attached sex for the men involved? I strongly suspect the latter.

I disagree there, they are clearly doing something at someone else's expense, which seems likely to be part of the appeal.

 

[Tom Roberts]

I disagree, rape happens for all sorts of reasons, only some of it because of power. When a frat boy decides to have sex with a woman who's passed out on the sofa, is that because of power or because he senses an easy opportunity to get it wet at someone else's expense? Or how about a gang of young men who groom underage teenage girls to have sex with them in exchange for drugs or alcohol? Is that about power or just cheap easy no-strings attached sex for the men involved? I strongly suspect the latter.

I disagree there, they are clearly doing something at someone else's expense, which seems likely to be part of the appeal.

But do you believe the 'Sex-bot' would decrease that sort of crime? What about the 'she's too drunk to consent, but is enthusiastic about the idea' rape? Do you see the 'creeps' buying one of these and then just basically ignoring women since they don't need them for what they want anymore?

 

[Frankster]

But do you believe the 'Sex-bot' would decrease that sort of crime? What about the 'she's too drunk to consent, but is enthusiastic about the idea' rape? Do you see the 'creeps' buying one of these and then just basically ignoring women since they don't need them for what they want anymore?

Yes. A "creep" would find it much easier to commit what s/he wants to do on his/her (im open minded and though rapes started by a female are a very small minority AFAIK.. it still happens, so females can rape too) sex bot then on a woman/man in the streets which involves considerable more effort. Never underestimate the power of laziness and convenience.

Not saying it would eliminate rape, especially when it comes to power abuse scenarios, but it would eliminate a % of it imo. Though in this scenario i really hope the robots ain't sentient.

 

[lacktheknack]

Computer programming geek here with some understanding of AI and how it's programmed.

There's no way in hell I'm putting my junk anywhere close to one of them.

That is all.

 

[Bara_no_Hime]

... eh, sure, why not. My spouse and I could buy two, one male and one female. Then we could have human/robot fourways.

Or, if we had another couple over, human/robot six-ways. Or, if they also had sex robots...

....

... I'll be in my bunk.

 

[Evil Smurf]

I'll stick to using my hands, if I don't have any toys now why would I start?