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In an era where the line between science fiction and technological reality increasingly blurs, the prospect of forming bonds with robots has transitioned from the realm of speculative fiction into a topic of serious academic inquiry. A recent study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships offers new insights into how beliefs about social hierarchy and gender norms may influence interest in relationships with robots. The findings indicate that men who endorse negative and antagonistic attitudes towards women demonstrate a significantly greater interest in robosexuality, or engaging in sexual relationships with robots.
The researchers embarked on this study against a backdrop of rapidly advancing robotic technology and an increasing presence of human-like robots in various sectors of society—from hospitality to personal companionship. This surge in human-robot interaction has sparked a curiosity about the nature and depth of relationships humans can form with robots. However, despite these developments, there remained a significant gap in understanding the psychological underpinnings that might predispose individuals to seek out and maintain these unconventional relationships.
“My interest in this topic began with media like Futurama (specifically an episode where people can download celebrity partners) and films like Her (2013) and Ex Machina (2016), which were kind of the first movies to postulate positive relationships with robots (with limitations). I found the idea of these robotic partners fascinating, and this drew me to consider how other people viewed these relationships,” said study author Connor Leshner, a PhD student at Trent University in Ontario.
Leshner and his co-author, Jessica R. Johnson, was particularly interested in how individuals’ beliefs about social hierarchy and their attitudes toward in-group versus out-group members could influence their interest in developing friendships or sexual relationships with robots. By addressing this gap, the study aimed to shed light on the complex interplay between societal norms, personal beliefs, and the burgeoning field of human-robot relationships.
The researchers embarked on this study against a backdrop of rapidly advancing robotic technology and an increasing presence of human-like robots in various sectors of society—from hospitality to personal companionship. This surge in human-robot interaction has sparked a curiosity about the nature and depth of relationships humans can form with robots. However, despite these developments, there remained a significant gap in understanding the psychological underpinnings that might predispose individuals to seek out and maintain these unconventional relationships.
“My interest in this topic began with media like Futurama (specifically an episode where people can download celebrity partners) and films like Her (2013) and Ex Machina (2016), which were kind of the first movies to postulate positive relationships with robots (with limitations). I found the idea of these robotic partners fascinating, and this drew me to consider how other people viewed these relationships,” said study author Connor Leshner, a PhD student at Trent University in Ontario.
Leshner and his co-author, Jessica R. Johnson, was particularly interested in how individuals’ beliefs about social hierarchy and their attitudes toward in-group versus out-group members could influence their interest in developing friendships or sexual relationships with robots. By addressing this gap, the study aimed to shed light on the complex interplay between societal norms, personal beliefs, and the burgeoning field of human-robot relationships.
Sexist men show a greater interest in "robosexuality," study finds
A recent study delves into how sexist beliefs influence men's interest in relationships with robots, uncovering that those with antagonistic views towards women are more likely to be interested in "robosexuality." Amidst technological advancements, this research highlights the significant impact...
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