Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful, toe-curling orgasms I have ever had was with a battery-powered friend. My blush-nude vibrator is the bedroom mate I had always hoped for, and it sits proudly on my night table. Reflecting on the fact that I use it almost every day has made me realize how most of my orgasms come from this bot rather than from all the people I go on dates with: I am choosing guaranteed cum-fests over doubtful one-night stands.
People are prioritizing pleasure
Unsurprisingly, I am not the only one! Like me, more and more people are prioritizing pleasure—and if it’s not accessible through traditional methods, we are not afraid to find other, convenient, tech-friendly ways. Over 50% of women in the U.S. own a vibrator and post-Covid sales have made sex tech a billion-dollar industry today. A 2019 study further suggested that women who use vibrators—solo or with their partner(s)—achieve higher sexual satisfaction compared to women who don’t.
Even though healthy discussions about sex are becoming more prominent around us, the use of sex toys is unfortunately still too often shamed. Not many people understand that implementing technical modifications in our sexual experiences is to simply fulfill basic human desires through more convenient and accessible means. And at least we know better than before to not seek partners who see our sex toys as the enemy and not as something more akin to little helping elves.
Brands aim to close the pleasure gap
More so, the problem of visibly buying sex toys and devices from stores has been more-or-less solved by online businesses that not only let you discreetly get what we want but also serve a wide variety of sexual needs. From Maude to LELO, many sexual wellness businesses have helped increase inclusivity and narrow down the pleasure gap. Moreover, there are hundreds of sexual wellness apps, including audio erotica like Dipsea and Quinn, mindful sex guides like Ferly, and safe spaces to connect and converse with the community like MŌN. Some of the apps even help people share their fantasies and kinks with their partner(s) if they’re unable to do so face-to-face. There are also hundreds of games online that enable more meaningful conversations about sex, as they require partners to disclose their interests and boundaries—which will ultimately spice up their bedroom fun. Designed to cater to a diverse range of sexual desires, these apps can make sexual experiences significantly more pleasurable.
The advancements in sextech
The advancements in sex technology have not only empowered more people to seek pleasure on their terms but have also helped promote healthy sexuality and create a stronger culture of sex positivity. In more recent years, the advent of state-of-the-art sex robots and breakthroughs in AI have seen the light of day. From an AI masturbating toy that can be controlled through the user’s mind using an electroencephalogram (EEG) to an AI girlfriend-building experience, folks who are unable to find satisfying sex and intimacy outside of their rooms are being supported. Although, it’s still very early to identify and figure out how to even think about this stuff let alone explain its benefits or drawbacks. As this is a contemporary and fast-moving shift, there is unfortunately not enough peer-reviewed and applied research on how these AI-oriented sexual experiences influence our overall well-being. It’s being developed for people who need it and that’s all we need to know.
Reading more about sex and technology
In his book Love and Sex with Robots, David Levy suggests that there is a possible future where sex and nurturing relationships with robots will be the new norm and will alter the ways we all think about sexuality and intimacy. Conversely, in Turned on: Science, Sex, and Robots, Dr. Kate Devlin argue that robot sex might cater to a more niche community, as we see the consumer base leaning more toward straight, cis-male-seeking female-presenting bots. Additionally, these ever-improving sex robots are sold for thousands of dollars and thus, will likely no time soon be an affordable piece of equipment for everyone. At most, the rich will reap the benefits—as they often do.
Sexual wellness tech industries are taking new innovative approaches with AI to provide safer, more intimate, and honest sexual experiences. With the accessibility of apps, even sex educators are able to find platforms to communicate healthy sexual and relationship practices. Such enhancements will notably help us in understanding human sexuality in different refreshing ways. Thus, in the end, I hope that we can move away from shaming people who are indulging in these AI experiences and learn to celebrate their sexual expressiveness.
Written by Shreya Tomar.
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