Technology makes human lives easier; no one can argue with that. It has been applied to almost anything you can think of. Transportation? Check! Communication? Check! Education? Yes, there are technologies for it.
One of the most important applications of technology is in the field of health. Artificial intelligence and machines have helped to make some operations impossible before doable. Furthermore, there are widgets and gadgets for maintaining a physically healthy body. Then, there are mobile applications that help improve mental and emotional health. Aside from that, there are websites that help people improve their social health.
While these technological applications often appear on the headlines, there is one sector that was left largely neglected. That is sex tech – the field focusing on the use of technology to improve sexual health.
How Big is Sex Tech?
People may not talk about sex tech openly, but that does not mean the industry is unseen. In fact, sex tech is currently worth $30 billion and is estimated to reach $52.7 billion by 2026.
Also, times are changing. Because of the pandemic, sexual wellness became the center of the focus. People had just realized how much it mattered to their lives. That made sex tech even more appealing to people. That being said, the future of sex tech looks promising.
How Is Technology Applied to Sexual Health
Sex tech has so many products and services. Since the old ages, people have been using sex toys and sex dolls to satisfy their desires. At first, these were hand-cranked or steam-powered machines. Now that technology has evolved further, electronic, smart sex toys and sex robots came into existence.
The pandemic also popularized new trends in sex tech. Since it forced social distancing measures to be implemented, people are left longing for intimacy. Even couples are not allowed to have sex. Sex tech products have been useful in mitigating the damage the pandemic could have done to people’s sexual health.
For single people looking for single people, sex toys have been a popular source of sexual gratification. The new online platform OnlyFans also skyrocketed in popularity ever since the pandemic began. OnlyFans have been the new home for sex workers, so that explains the sudden popularity.
For couples, teledildonic products are the most popular. These sex toys are remote-controlled, and some send feedback to each other. They allow long-distance sex, which is a handy feature during the pandemic.
As sex tech experts always say, intimacy is not only about sexual intercourse. It is about human relations, our connection with ourselves, our own possessions, and to others. Thus, sex tech also offers products that are not strictly sexual but still allow intimacy growth.
Take HugShirt, for example. This product allows people to send hugs without actually enveloping somebody in their arms. Aside from that, there is Kissenger. This product sends kisses that feel realistic rather than hugs. To use, users should kiss the artificial mouth of their device. The robotic devices will record their lip movements and send them to the other for recreation. The most fantastic thing about Kissenger is it does this in real-time.
Now, if you combine teledildonics, HugShirt, and Kissenger, you can have the best long-distance sex experience of your life. Because of these products, the Future of Sex report says more than 25% of young people will have a long-distance sexual experience.
These are only a few of sex tech’s contributions to the development of sexual wellness. While long-distance sex is a big issue now, it is not the heaviest problem sex tech tried to solve.
Sex Tech and Companionship
It is important to emphasize that sex tech is all about intimacy to understand one of its ultimate goals. What is it, you may ask? It is the successful recreation of the feeling of human companionship.
Think about why sex dolls exist. One might argue that simpler sex toys – masturbators, particularly – does what they do. That person is both right and wrong. Yes, sex dolls can be seen as artificial genitals, a.k.a. sex toys, attached to a synthetic human body. However, sex dolls offer more than sexual pleasure. What sets them apart from other sex toys is that they offer human presence.
Many of the toys developed today are usable in both solo and partnered play. But if you look at why these products are developed in the first place, you will see their real essence. Sex toys are made to compensate for the lack of human presence. They serve as an avenue for people who cannot have sex with others for different reasons to enjoy sex. Through these products, they can experience healing and improve their sexual health and then their overall well-being.
That is why the products sex tech, and enthusiasts, are most excited about are sex robots. They are new and improved sex dolls. Infused with artificial intelligence, these products can do basic movements. The most advanced ones can even interact with people and have personalities, like real human beings.
Current sex robot models are far better than their prototypes, thanks to the ever-evolving nature of technology. However, they are still far from the sentient, lifelike robots we dream of. Still, the progress that has been made is worth the appreciation.
An estimate by Dr. Ian Pearson says that human-robot sex will become more common than sex between two humans in 2050. Based on how fast sex robots are developing, this could become true. However, considering more humans still put more value in human-human interaction, that could not be the case. Only time will tell what the future holds.
Let us focus on the now and the future years closest to the present. In this time, dubbed by some as the golden age of sex tech, technology is helping us cope with our problems. May it be sexuality problems connected to physical or mental health, sex tech has answers. Right now, sex tech has more positive qualities than negative ones. It is safe to say that it will remain the same for the years to come.
Leave a Reply