Chris Williamson. Open Source. Studying the Future of Human Sexuality 0s Roanne van Voorst, a Futures Anthropologist, studies emerging future trends by visiting places and people where these trends are already evident. Modern human sexuality is undergoing a transition due to technology, offering convenient solutions for various problems.
However, concerns arise about whether this convenience truly enhances happiness, as it reduces vulnerability and human awkwardness. People are increasingly creating or choosing their desired forms of love and intimacy, including platonic life partnerships and active sex lives in old age. The easy availability of new partners and the ability to discard old ones through technology raise questions about the genuine contribution of this convenience to our well-being.
Van Voorst's personal experience with an advanced AI chatbot demonstrated its ability to provide casual, friendly distraction, potentially reducing time spent interacting with real friends. The speaker describes an experience with an app that offered superficial interactions, depleting their social bandwidth and leading to an emotional affair.
The speaker draws a parallel between the convenience of modern technology, such as Uber, and the loss of opportunities for spontaneous conversations that can contribute to happiness. The speaker emphasizes the conflict between our perceived desires e. The increased screen time in our daily lives has come at the expense of other life areas, particularly social interactions.
Despite claims of popularity, there is skepticism surrounding the actual sales figures of sex dolls, with the industry possibly attempting to normalize their usage. The speaker's personal experience renting a sex doll from a brothel proved to be unsettling and unsatisfying due to its limited mobility and lack of genuine interaction. While sex dolls and robots may gain popularity due to curiosity and efficiency, the speaker raises concerns about relying solely on artificial intelligence and dolls for romance and sex.
