Abstract
AbstractIn this article, the author provides a new view on intimate relationships with “virtual humans” such as robots and AIs. Recent technological developments have enabled firms to create humanlike robots and AIs. It is likely that, in the near future, a growing number of people will want intimate relationships with these virtual humans. This may receive harsh criticism, for example, that such a move would indicate objectification of women or ethical wrongdoing. Instead, however, it should be viewed in light of quality of life (QOL) for sexual minorities and people with various difficulties. Aided by the discussion of the introduction of the Long Term Public Care Insurance (LTCI) system in Japan in the late 1990s, the author positions this trend as the “socialification” of familyship – that is, a phenomenon in which the virtual humans, as products or services offered by businesses, become partners/family members, and a change by which some parts of the intimate relationships within families are shared in society. Just as the LTCI system, which was introduced as a socialification of nursing care, reduced the burden of care on Japanese women and improved their QOL, adoption of virtual humans as a socialification of familyship is also likely to improve the QOL of people with difficulties worldwide.
Highlights
In this article, the author provides a new view on intimate relationships with “virtual humans” such as robots and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The proponents succeeded in persuading opponents of various kinds through deliberate discussions. This experience in Japan will be helpful for the proponents who appeal to society to recognize the importance of intimate relationships with virtual humans
The author provides a new perspective on intimate relationships with robots and AIs, defined as “virtual humans.”
Summary
The robot and Artificial Intelligence (AI) industry is one of the fastest growing sectors of the global economy. Recent products often employ AI, enabling their owners to communicate with them (sexbots), and can be customized according to preference In several countries, such as Russia, France, and Japan, sexbot brothels provide clients with cheaper and safer alternatives to “real” prostitutes. These dolls can at the same time be more than just “objects.” A number of news articles can be found on the Internet about those who engage in serious love and sex with the sexbots or sex dolls (for example, [3,4]). All she can do is recognize him and engage in simple conversations; yet the clerk says he is happy living with her [7]
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