Dr. Kassia Wosick, Assistant Professor of Sociology in the department of Behavioral & Social Sciences at El Camino College in California discusses these issues.
Dr. Wosick demythologises the ‘revolutionary’ aspects of virtual brothels. Brothels, she says, have been around for a long time; technology does add some new features, but webcamming for example, is not new. Teledildonics does add some new, unique characteristics, but these are not revolutionary, she says. Dr. Wosick points out the use of this technology in fields such as sex therapy and surrogacy, which are interesting.
The point is that teledildonics are really simply another communication device between two real people. They do not replace people, but create the possibility for sexual communication, in ways that are comfortable for people. Technology has already been a part of making sex comfortable for people over the past 40 to 50 years, Dr Wosick says, and teledildonics are continuing that process with devices that can create stimulation.
In regards to the question whether virtual sex only makes it more difficult for introverts to reach out and find the courage to talk to real human beings, Dr Wosick points out that if we want people to be a part of our real life sexual world, then we need first and foremost to shift how we think about sex in the real world, and move away from a ‘sex-negative’ attitude. If people are shy and uncomfortable about sex, Dr Wosick says, then that is a problem is socializing sexuality. Dr Wosick sees the possibilities of equipping people who are shy to meet partners online who they have never met, as being a positive thing, something that will add to their experiences. She also says that introvert people may always be introvert.
To the question, does teledildonics not pose a threat to the whole craft of raising children, where it is important for children to have the same parents? Dr Wosick says that the whole concept of marriage, of parenthood has changed so much that it is difficult to say what is in fact the ‘right’ way. However, she does not feel that families will be disbanded, and that people will be having internet sex and virtual reality interactions to the extent that children will be disconnected from those people who created them. Basically, Dr Wosick sees teledildonics not really changing anything, rather they will be added to what we already have, as additional resources.
There are, however, implication of teledildonics on the sex worker, and implications on society as whole which we have not worked out, Dr Wosick says.
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