Moral panics are often triggered when new technologies allow individuals to act outside of socially accepted norms, which can include engaging in sexual activities that fall outside of the traditional bounds of what is considered acceptable. This is especially true for autonomous sexual technologies, such as sex robots, VR sex, and online dating apps. These technologies have been met with widespread moral panic due to their perceived ability to promote immoral behavior, deviant desires, and disrupt familial values.
These fears may be driven more by psychological mechanisms than by real concerns about the effects of technology itself.
One common mechanism behind moral panics surrounding autonomous sexual technologies is the idea of the "death of human intimacy." The introduction of these technologies is seen as reducing the need for direct human interaction and potentially leading to an increase in loneliness and isolation. Some argue that this will lead to a decline in empathy and emotional connection between people, ultimately destroying our capacity for meaningful relationships. This idea reflects a longstanding cultural narrative that sees technology as fundamentally antithetical to human connection.
Another mechanism driving moral panic is the notion of autonomy. Autonomous sexual technologies are often framed as tools that give individuals unprecedented control over their own sexuality, allowing them to pursue desires without social or moral restraints. This can be seen as a threat to existing power structures and social norms, which may prompt resistance from those who feel threatened.
Some critics of online dating have argued that it promotes casual hookups and devalues commitment, while others have expressed concern that it allows men to select partners based on superficial traits like physical appearance.
There is a psychological mechanism called moral disgust, which is triggered when someone perceives something as repulsive or morally reprehensible. Moral disgust has been shown to activate the same brain regions as physical revulsion, and may play a role in generating fear and anxiety around new technologies. It can also lead to moral outrage and a desire to punish or suppress those who engage in activities considered immoral. In the case of autonomous sexual technologies, moral disgust may be directed towards certain practices or behaviors, such as BDSM or non-monogamy, rather than the technology itself.
The psychology behind moral panics surrounding autonomous sexual technologies is complex and multifaceted, involving a mix of cultural, emotional, and cognitive factors. By understanding these mechanisms, we can better understand how fear and anxiety around these technologies develop and potentially work to mitigate them.
What psychological mechanisms drive moral panic surrounding sexual autonomy technologies?
During the last decades, the field of technology has undergone immense growth and advancement, which has resulted in people having access to information like never before. The internet is one such technological development that has revolutionized how people interact with one another. It has provided opportunities for communication on a global scale and allowed individuals to make connections they might not have had otherwise.