The Future of Love and Sex - Robots

nem75 writes "The New York Times has a review of British AI researcher David Levy's book 'Love and Sex with Robots'. He claims that within a span of about 50 years the day will come when people could actually fall in love with life-like robots. While this may seem far fetched at first, he has some pretty interesting views. 'He begins with what scientists know about why humans fall in love with other humans. There are 10 factors, he writes, including mystery, reciprocal liking, and readiness to enter a relationship. Why can't these factors apply to robots, too?' The case he builds goes much further though, and certainly provides food for thought." Update: 12/14 16:16 GMT by Z : This article is very similar to a discussion we had recently.

Comments

Re:Grrr

[LuisAnaya]

:)

Well, there are people that are having sex with inanimate dolls (real dolls plug here), It would not be far fetched that someone would be amenable to the idea and even build a business out of having sex with robots. There are more advantages than using the regular purveyors. It's more sanitary, there are more control on the looks of the service provider and you only have to perform maintenance every so often.

I think that "love" is too much of a word for it. Infatuated or having "a crush" would be more appropriate. It's going to be something carnal and not with meaning. It would take a long time for us humans to develop enough intelligence in robots for us to have a "meaningful relationship" with them.

Emotionally Stunted

[pete-classic]

I can only assume that anyone who imagines being "in love" with a machine is severely emotionally stunted. What is love without the need, and willingness to sacrifice? What is love without emotional exposure? What is love without the risk of loss?

It is totally okay with me if this guy wants to fuck animatronics, but he doesn't do himself a service by confusing that with love.

-Peter

Re:From Agnes - With Love

[Ex-MislTech]

I know this sounds crazy but it's really true ( imo, though I'm only 18 so judge for yourself ), without perfect AI I don't think any non shallow male could claim to 'love' his robot. This might just be me...

Well let me be the first to present it in this manner.

01) No PMS
02) No hormonal imbalances
03) No maxxed out credit cards
04) No cars driven til the motor burns up due to lack of oil
05) No bitching when your with your male friends at a sports/whatever event.
06) No lies
07) No drugs
08) No veneral disease
09) No coming home to an empty house, bank account, garage, investment accounts
10) perfect food, sex, massage, and SILENCE when ever you want it.

Young men tend to believe in love, older men become jaded, and ACQUIRE
the above list of 10 things as I have.

4 decades of harsh reality tends to fill in the above list.

Here is to hoping you retain your innocent unjaded view for your entire life.

~Adios~