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Sex robots and virtual reality sex: advantages and challenges

International Journal of Impotence Research (2023)Cite this article

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Technological advances have become central in all aspects of our lives, including the field of sexuality. This article seeks to introduce physicians and healthcare professionals to a new, technology-connected, and sometimes controversial aspect of human sexuality. These technologies are becoming ever more integral to sexual identity, sexual behavior, and sexual preferences. To improve clinical practice, a deeper understanding of its framework, as well as possible beneficial implications or, to the contrary, challenges are required. Ideally, this would reduce stigmatization of patients utilizing digital products in their sexual practice. A research conducted in Germany by Döring and Mohseni, with a sample size of 1500 participants, revealed that 68% of digital media users have been involved in some sort of sexual interaction in digital contexts [1]. Despite the increasing number of individuals incorporating sexual technology into their sexual activities [1], and the related concerns regarding psychosexual health, ethics, and responsibilities, thus far, there are only limited clinical guidelines pertaining to the connection between technology and sexuality [2,3,4]. The objective of this concise review is to examine the potential advantages of sexual technology in promoting sexual health, while also bringing attention to the emerging challenges that demand thoughtful analysis. To improve clinical practice, sexual health professional must gain a deeper understanding of this socio-cultural development.

“Online Sexual Activities (OSA)” is a term proposed to encapsulate the wide range of sexual behaviors, materials, and activities that transpire within digital spaces. This term is inclusive of various forms of sexual engagement on the internet [5, 6]. Courtice and Shaughnessy refer to the exchange of sexual material through computer and internet technologies as “technology-mediated sexual interaction” (TMSI) [7]. McArthur & Twist suggest the umbrella term “digisexuality” to describe the technologies that allow for sexual experiences [8].

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All the journal articles utilized in this paper were obtained via Tel Aviv University’s online library, in compliance with the university’s established guidelines and regulations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Reuth TLV, Rehabilitation Hospital, Affiliated with Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel

    Shulamit Sperber

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This article, titled ‘Sex Robots and Virtual Reality Sex: Advantages and Challenges,’ is the sole work of the author, SS. All research, writing, analysis, and insights presented within this manuscript are the exclusive contributions of SS. The author’s dedication to exploring the multifaceted aspects of this sensitive and emerging topic is exemplified in this comprehensive study. This article underscores the author’s commitment to delving into the advantages and challenges of sex robots and virtual reality sex through an individual research lens.

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Correspondence to Shulamit Sperber.

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Sperber, S. Sex robots and virtual reality sex: advantages and challenges. Int J Impot Res (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41443-023-00766-6

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