Robots don't talk back. They don't consume resources or time like humans do. They don't poop or menstruate. They are always in the mood. You don't have to meet their parents. They won't make you feel socially awkward. They wont laugh at your fetishes or at the fact that you only lasted a minute. You don't have to remember their birthday. Their body is perfect but never ages. The list goes on and on and the implications for the widespread use of sex dolls has a bunch of pros and cons.
Would we start seeing less rape if there were free-use sex dolls commonly available, especially in communities where sexuality is repressed and rapists are never punished?
Guess you are cool with the idea of having these robots take the place of humans....a lot of people find it rather appalling. As for your reasons....don't forget there are also male sex dolls. I'm speaking in general terms.
I don't think that they will ever take the place of humans. Our biological imperative to mate and reproduce is just too strong. I do think that this kind of relationship needs more conversation but in less judgemental ways. How does it affect you if your neighbor chooses to have sex with dolls rather than humans? I think that once these dolls become more widespread the majority of people will use them as a supplement to human sex rather than as primary sex partners. The people who choose to only copulate with dolls will be taking themselves out of the gene pool and I know that this sounds horrible but...that may not be a bad thing.
The consent part is my only real hang-up with sex dolls especially as AI gets more advanced. Once we recognize AI as independent beings we will have to come up with parameters and definitions of consent relevant to them. Is there a way to determine consent now? At what point will you have to ask your fleshlight or cucumber for consent?
As a female I am aware of the existence of male sex dolls. Would I ever purchase one? probably not. Would I try one out for free? Maybe.
I thought that your post was very interesting and thought provoking. While we may not agree I appreciate you taking the time to respond and engage with me. And thank you for the inspiration! I actually wrote a short story about one woman's experience with a male sex doll.