Digitalisierte Sexualität – Ein Überblick
DOI: 10.61387/sexuologie.2024.34.23
Autoren
Jessica M. Szczuka, Paula Ebner, Lisa Mühl
Abstract
Digitalization is increasingly permeating many aspects of life, including interpersonal and sexual relationships. A central aspect of technological innovations in the area of intimacy includes both widely used physical devices that support intimate experiences (e.g., technology-based sex toys) and increasingly AI-driven applications. These technologies not only enable natural language interactions but also foster relationship building and intimate communication with artificially created personalities. Although conceptions of relationships, love, and sexuality could potentially be transformed and expanded through these developments, this is often overlooked in informed and evidence-based discussions. Instead, normative viewpoints, sometimes shaped by stereotypes, tend to dominate. The article provides a concise overview of the current state of technological possibilities. It examines the opportunities and risks associated with intimate relationships involving virtual (sexual) partners and highlights the importance of individual predispositions for building such relationships. Furthermore, the use of these technologies for vulnerable user groups, including people with various disabilities and neurodivergent needs, is also discussed.
Keywords
Digital technologies, Technologically mediated sexuality, Romance, Parasocial relationships, Vulnerable user groups
Metadaten
Veröffentlicht in: Sexuologie. Zeitschrift für Sexualmedizin, Sexualtherapie und Sexualwissenschaft. Band 31 • Jahr 2024 • Heft 3-4, Seiten 121-125