The rise of digisexuality: therapeutic challenges and possibilities

ABSTRACT

Radical new sexual technologies, which we term “digisexualities,” are here. As these technologies advance, their adoption will grow, and many people may come to identify themselves as “digisexuals” – people whose primary sexual identity comes through the use of technology. Researchers have found that both lay people and clinicians have mixed feelings about digisexualities. Clinicians must be prepared for the challenges and benefits associated with the adoption of such sexual technologies. In order to remain ethical and viable, clinicians need to be prepared to work with clients participating in digisexualities. However, many practitioners are unfamiliar with such technologies, as well as the social, legal, and ethical implications. Guidelines for helping individuals and relational systems make informed choices regarding participation in technology-based activities of any kind, let alone ones of a sexual nature, are few and far between. Thus, a framework for understanding the nature of digisexuality and how to approach it is imperative.

KEYWORDS:

• Couple and family technology
• online
• technology
• digisexuality
• sexbot
• robot
• virtual reality
• sex therapy
• family therapy
• electronic visibility
• virtual sex
• digisexual

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Neil McArthur

Neil McArthur, Ph.D., Director, Centre for Professional and Applied Ethics, Associate Professor, Philosophy, University of Manitoba; Advisory Board Affiliate, Graduate Certificate in Sex Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, WI.

Markie L. C. Twist

Markie L. C. Twist, Ph.D., Program Coordinator, Graduate Certificate in Sex Therapy Program, Associate Professor, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, WI; and Visiting Associate Professor, Couple and Family Therapy Program, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV. An earlier version of this article was presented at the Annual Meeting of the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (Albuquerque, New Mexico, November 2016).