Telepresence and the ethics of digital cheating

Abstract

This article considers the ethics of sexual telepresence by tracing the history of mechanical and digital sex and exploring the possibilities facilitated by current and emerging technology. My aim is to consider how people have used technology to engage in new forms of sexual expression in order to more clearly delineate exactly what constitutes cheating and the ethical lines surrounding such behaviours. As with non-digital forms of intimacy, it seems clear that there is a range of behaviours that invite different people to draw the lines in different places, ranging from flirtation to erotic talk, to physical contact. But the goal of this article is not merely to consider where the lines may lie, but rather to examine how the medium in which the interaction takes place invites individuals to make particular moral judgments concerning what lines should exist at all concerning both physical and emotional intimacy.

Extending the reach of social touch through haptic technology

“…While this type of technology has received some attention from the academic community [e.g. 31,312,324,330], it has been of most profound interest to the 'adult entertainment' industry, for obvious reasons. There are now countless examples of devices on the market that promise to deliver a mediated sexual experience that approximates the sensory qualities of 'the real deal' [see also 324].…”

“…a performer manipulating the female sex toy), can have negative effects comparable to those of other cybersex activities, such as stimulating addictive behaviors, and promoting objectification of women [108,132,450]. Moreover, it is quite possible that engaging in a sexual act through teledildonics technology with another person, professional performer or not, could be viewed by a spouse as cheating [330,545]. Easy access to sexual interactions through teledildonics could thus potentially make cheating more easy, with obvious negative consequences for romantic relationships [545].…”

“…Easy access to sexual interactions through teledildonics could thus potentially make cheating more easy, with obvious negative consequences for romantic relationships [545]. Additional issues that can be raised relate to the fact that it is not necessarily clear with whom you would be engaged in a sexual act through teledildonics, so legality, age representation, and consent are relevant concerns [132,330].…”

“…Decidedly more low-tech versions of Dick's androids are found in the adult entertainment industry in the form of life-sized dolls, that are supposed to emulate the look and feel of an actual woman [see also 324,330]. The purpose of these so called 'real dolls' leaves little to the imagination, and a rightful criticism is that they continue the objectification of woman as mere objects of sexual desire (although note that male versions of these dolls do now also exist [330]).…”

“…The purpose of these so called 'real dolls' leaves little to the imagination, and a rightful criticism is that they continue the objectification of woman as mere objects of sexual desire (although note that male versions of these dolls do now also exist [330]). Less directed at sexual intercourse are computer programs that provide an 'artificial girlfriend experience', and that feature a virtual character that simulates the experience of being in a romantic relationship [see also 324].…”