Sex virtual reality for digisexuals

THE lexicon of sexual orientations has already given us “demisexuality”, “pansexuality” and “bicurious”.

But according to experts, we will soon see the rise of “digisexuals” – people whose sexual appetites are predominantly satisfied by the virtual world.

Already, robotic sex dolls which move and talk and are “warm to the touch” are being sold for in excess of £15 000 (R275 203), with companies vying to create the most realistic companion.

In some countries, pornography channels offer 3D content which can be accessed using headsets, while online role-playing games, such as 3DX Chat, allow participants to interact sexually using only avatars.

Sexbots are also increasingly on our screens, most recently appearing in Westworld , Humans and Ex Machina.

In a report published in the Journal of Sexual and Relationship Therapy, ethics researchers from the University of Manitoba, Canada, argue that psychotherapists need to be prepared for a rise in “clients participating in digisexualities”.

“It is safe to say the era of immersive virtual sex has arrived,” said associate Professor Neil McArthur, director of the centre for professional and applied ethics.

“As these technologies advance, their adoption will grow and may people will come to identify themselves as ‘digisexuals’ – people whose primary sexual identity comes through the use of technology.

Although in their infancy, today’s sex robots are already programmed with artificial intelligence, and equipped with all-over body sensors. — The Sunday Telegraph