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Designing a Loving Robot

A Social Construction Analysis of a Sex Robot Creator’s Vision

Bibliographic Data

ID22223779
AuthorsAnnette M Masterson (0000-0002-0051-5085, Temple College, corresponding author)
Year2022
Volume5
Pages99-114
Publication date2022-12-19
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHuman-Machine Communication (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2638-602X • E-ISSN: 2638-6038
PublisherCommunication and Social Robotics Labs (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.30658/hmc.5.4
OpenAlexW4312012214
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited22

In 2018, one of the world’s first sex robots was released by CEO Matt McMullen and his company, RealDoll. With artificial intelligence capabilities, the Harmony model is meant to support and converse with users. Using a social construction of technology theory lens, this study develops the theory’s fourth level of analysis, emphasizing mass media’s construction abilities. A critical discourse analysis of 38 publicity interviews found a tendency to emphasize the companionship of sex robots while envisioning a future where integration is normalized, and a sentient robot is possible. As the creator, McMullen’s vision could determine the future of robotic design, leading to a deeper understanding of this new technology. This study adds to the growing literature on sex robots by addressing the creator’s public intentions

Aesthetics · Art · Converse · Epistemology · Mobile robot · Political science · Publicity · Robot · Robot control · Social robot · Sociology · Uncanny valley · Visual arts · Computer Science · Digital Games and Media · Gender, Feminism, and Media · Psychology · Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology · Social Psychology · Artificial Intelligence

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    Open Access•Annette M Masterson•AoIR Selected Papers of Internet…•2023

  • Platformization and privacy issues in the sex robot industry

    Open Access•Annette M Masterson•New Media & Society•2026

  • Face to Face with Sex Robots and the Cultures Surrounding Them

    Open Access•Joanne Cassar•Sexuality & Culture•2026

  • The Concept of Al-Thawābit and Al-Mutaghayyirāt in Technological Innovation According to Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah

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  • Sex With Robots and Human-Machine Sexualities

    Open Access•Marco Dehnert•Human-Machine Communication•2022

  • Social Robots as the Bride? Understanding the Construction of Gender in a Japanese Social Robot Product

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  • Exploring the Psychological Characteristics and Risk-related Cognitions of Individuals Who Own Sex Dolls

    Open Access•Craig A Harper, Rebecca Lievesley et al.•The Journal of Sex Research•2022

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Unique citing works6
Citations per year2
Citation span2023 - 2026 (4)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 5
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