Sexual Consent
The concept of consent traditionally applies to human interactions. When it comes to robots, the question arises: can robots, even intelligent ones, give or receive consent? Robots lack consciousness and subjective experiences, so their actions are based on programming and algorithms. This makes the concept of consent different from human interactions.
On the other hand, some may argue that all humans are programmed to a certain extent: by friends, school, parents and society at large. After this initial training, the ability to formally give consent can be attained. Are robots really that much different?
Ethics of Control
How does one ensure that the robot's actions align with the user's preferences? Well, the robot could simply be programmed to do exactly what its owner says. Some would say that is simply user satisfaction and the ability to customize the experience, like customizing your phone for example. Others may argue that this is sex slavery of an intelligent being. Hmmm.
So who then has the final say over the actions and behaviors of AI sex robots? Users should have control and the ability to set boundaries, but should there be limits to what a robot can do, even if the user requests it? For example, should it be able to engage in non-consensual or harmful scenarios?
Money Talks
Users pay for products and services. If they paid for a sex robot to satisfy their desires, according to the law, they should be able to do that.
But what if the user cannot afford a robot and is provided one? The one who provides the sex robot should then be able to dictate what is permitted with their sex robot. Right?
Currently Legal
Most would concede that the user should not order the robot to harm the user or other humans, such as assisting in grievous bodily injury or death or assisting in any crime.
There is currently no law against having sexual relations with a sex robot and no one has ever been charged with sexual assault of a sex robot.
Should laws evolve to address issues around AI sex robots around consent, privacy, and potential harm? This includes considering whether certain uses or behaviors should be prohibited or regulated. In brief...
Argument 1: It would be harmful to society if users were permitted to have all kinds of sexual desires satisfied by sex robots.
Argument 2: Sex with robots would decrease harm because there would be less sexual assault against other humans.
Economics of Population Decline and Robot Sex
The proliferation of AI sex robots may impact human relationships and sexual behaviours. It could be a potential tool for people with certain sexual interests or those who have difficulties forming human relationships, but it may also have negative societal consequences, especially around birth rates and population reduction.
Economic stagnation in many developed countries such as China, Japan, Germany, Greece, and other places with low birth rates is a real issue. Without going into many details, some people believe that the world population is already too high in Western nations so decreasing population is a good thing, at least under the spectre of decreasing the impacts of climate change.
Ethics of Robot Sex
Many people simply cannot navigate the intricacies of human relationships. They feel lonely, depressed, and can be extremely socially awkward.
The Japanese word 'hikkimori' comes to mind which means pulling inward or being confined. A type of severe social withdrawal is becoming all too commonplace. Why people seek extreme degrees of social isolation and confinement is a question in itself. Giving these people sex robots would likely be simply treating a symptom without addressing the severe underlying root cause of self-imposed isolation.
Discussions about these issues should include various stakeholders, including ethicists, psychologists, technologists, legal experts, and users, to develop balanced perspectives and policies.
Final Thoughts
It's important to note that views on this topic can vary widely, and what is considered acceptable or ethical may change over time. As technology evolves and becomes more integrated into society, these discussions will continue to be crucial for addressing the ethical and legal challenges associated with intelligent sex robots, including questions about consent.