Technosexuality: When Technology Becomes the Object of Desire

At the crossroads of science fiction, sextech and new forms of intimacy, technosexuality helps us to perform an in-depth analysis on the relationship we have to our bodies, to intimate connections and to fantasy.

Technosexuality is a term used to describe sexual or emotional attraction to technology — most commonly robots, AI’s (artificial intelligences), and human-like figures.

This doesn’t simply mean enjoying all the latest high-tech gadgets: desire is a defining factor. Being turned on by an artificial presence, fantasising about a relationship with a machine, projecting one’s emotions and erotic tension onto a non-living object.

Although some may think it’s the case, technosexuality wasn’t born out of the invention of AI. Science fiction has been exploring this phenomenon for decades. Films like Blade Runner and Ex Machina, or series like Westworld, have made lasting impressions with their seductive, almost but not-quite-human androids. This ambiguity is what fascinates people: the idea that a machine can look like, talk like and act like us… without actually being human.

Nowadays, with lifelike silicone dolls, smart sex toys or AI’s that you can have dirty conversations with, we’re seeing fiction slowly become reality in real time. The fantasy itself hasn’t necessarily evolved, it’s simply become more tangible.

Technosexuality isn’t fascinating simply because of its futuristic aesthetic, there’s something deeper to it.

First of all, let’s talk about control. Robots don’t judge, they don’t make fun of you or reject you. They respond, adapt, follow your lead. For some people, this predictability can be very reassuring, almost soothing. People can express their desires without being afraid about how the other person will react.

Robots also incarnate a type of fantasy and perfection. Idealised bodies, available at all times, endless endurance… they’re often glamorized versions of a partner. Human limitations no longer exist: people can create what they want.

Our current society also plays a key role. Meeting people on dating apps , chatting over text, sexting… intimacy has already been digitised in many ways. Given the context, being attracted to technology doesn’t seem like something entirely different, it’s more like a follow on from where we’re already at.

There is a grey area when it comes to technosexuality. Is a robot considered an object? A pretend partner? A simple extension of our fantasies? It’s precisely this uncertainty that stimulates the imagination and therefore desire.

Is this a step in the wrong direction, or simply a new way for people to express desire?

Technology has been a part of our sex lives for a long time already: sex toys, virtual reality, dating sites. With each new innovation, the same worries rear their ugly heads. What bothers people the most is the idea that someone can create an emotional attachment to some sort of artificial entity. Can the term ‘relationship’ be used even if it’s not reciprocal? How probable is the risk of isolation?

In reality, a lot of people see technosexuality as a fantasy or a facet of their sexuality. It doesn’t necessarily replace human connection, it simply enriches the imagination.

As with any kink, it’s all a question of balance. As long as desire is conscious and healthily integrated into one’s emotional life, there is no universal rule. Sexuality is evolutive and everyone is free to carve their own path.

You don’t necessarily need an ultrasophisticated android to experience this universe. Current sextech already allows people to explore this fantasy with ease:

When explored this way, technology can boost and heighten your imagination. It doesn’t replace the human, it simply transforms the setting and the staging of desire.

Each time sexuality evolves, the same fears make themselves known. Too artificial. Too cold. Too far from a ‘real’ human connection.

Technosexuality is no different. The thought of being attracted to a robot or artificial entity can be unnerving, as it messes with our romantic, human vision of intimacy.

If we take a step back, it’s easy to see that technology already makes up a part of our sex lives. Our bedrooms have been intertwined with the digital for a while now. Technosexuality may simply just be another step in the continuity of things.

The real question isn’t “should we be worried?” but instead, “how much space does it take up in our lives?” Exploring a fantasy, playing around with a futuristic imagination, or integrating technology into erotic scenarios can be a creative way to expand one’s sensual universe.

On the other hand, as with everything, balance is crucial. If machines become a substitute for all human connection and cut a person off from reality, then it may be time to take stock of the situation.

Technosexuality isn’t simply ‘loving robots’. It also shows us our relationship to desire in an ultra-connected world. It shows us to what extent people aim to personalise everything and master everything, including pleasure.

Between futurist fantasy and technological reality, we have to ask ourselves some important questions: what sparks desire? Contact with another body? Shared emotions? Or the story create in our heads?

Technology may simply offer us a new way to explore these long existing fantasies. Since sexuality is constantly evolving over time, we can almost be certain that it’ll continue transforming and changing, surprising us and pushing the limits of our imagination.