NSFW! Sensitive Subject Matter

 

Above Photos: Screenshots from CES and website, December 2023.

 

 

Click here for CES Video>>>>>: Robot Sex

Video and photo: Harmony the Sex Robot, CES 2018, Rita Kurtz

What in the ‘Uncanny Valley’ is happening? 

Exploring Neuroscience and Psychological Dimensions of Laws, Morals, and Ethics in the Context of Artificial Intelligence, Human-Like Entities, and the Future of Sex

 

CEO Matt McMullen, creative director and founder of RealDoll, made one of the most interesting yet disturbing exhibits at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in 2018. Former CEO Christopher Trout of Engadget, held a discussion with McMullen delving into the future of sex with his life-like humanoid robot creations like humanoid Harmony, in the video I captured. As I listened to the forum, I felt a sense of unease and began to question moral and ethical considerations, legal frameworks concerning these human-like entities, the psychological impact on human relations, cultural and religious variation perspectives, and the future of sex and intimacy. 

 People appear to be “okay” when a robot looks like a robot and used as a working tool; yet, when a robot looks like a human, an eerie feeling comes over us in its presence, or in the “uncanny valley” space which refers to the psychological phenomenon experienced by humans when they feel repulsed or uncomfortable due to the close resemblance or behavior of a nonliving item to a human (Russell-Rose, et al., 2012). Think Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museums. But why?  

 

Abstract:

As society navigates the ever-evolving landscape of technology, the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and human-like entities poses profound questions regarding the intersectionality of laws, morals, ethics around humanoids. This paper delves into the psychological dimensions of how humans perceive and respond to the legal, moral, and ethical implications surrounding AI and the potential integration of human-like entities into intimate aspects of our lives, particularly in the realm of sex. Understanding the psychological underpinnings of these discussions is crucial for developing thoughtful and responsible frameworks that guide the integration of AI into society.

Introduction:

In a recent experiment from Rosenthal-von der Pütten et al. (2019), the uncanny valley (UV) hypothesis posits that humans have a preference for anthropomorphic entities, but this preference diminishes when these creatures become excessively human-like, resulting in a phenomenon known as the UV reaction. The experiment utilized functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine the brain activity of participants as they assessed synthetic agents and made subsequent judgments regarding them. In the brain, an identifiable amygdala signal was indicative of the rejection of artificial agents.

The advent of artificial intelligence has ushered in a new era, challenging traditional notions of morality, ethics, legality, relationships and sex. As AI systems become more sophisticated, discussions surrounding their integration into various aspects of human life intensify. This paper examines the psychological dynamics involved in the discourse on the laws, morals, and ethics surrounding AI, with a particular focus on the implications for human-like entities in intimate relationships.

• Legal Frameworks and Challenges:

As we push toward future challenges with AI, legislative history posits that the legal system around the world, but in this example, in the United States, it has traditionally adopted a strong stance against any non-traditional or unconventional sexual behaviors in its written laws and court rulings, which can be attributed to “a residue of the nation’s puritan – more broadly of its Christian – heritage” (Posner, 1992, p. 1). For example, pedophilia and child sexual abuse is illegal federally and on the state level, but with the introduction of human-like robots like Harmony, this opens the door for the creation of child robots which are being produced in Asia and distributed to Western countries (Cox, 2018). Maras and Shapiro (2017) suggests that these anatomically accurate dolls are life-sized replicas of young or prepubescent children, complete with appropriate sexual organs for their respective age; they are designed specifically for sexual intimacy and intercourse which could exacerbate more pedophilic tendencies, which again, is illegal. On a global scale, the international treaty from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) is a binding international agreement that mandates governments to uphold and safeguard the rights of children. States are obligated by Articles 34 and 35 of the CRC, safeguard minors from any type of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse (United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner, n.d.). Creating more humanoids and engaging in sexual relations with them, opens a new set of legalities that need further investigation.

As AI technologies advance, legal frameworks struggle to keep pace. The absence of clear regulations raises concerns about accountability and liability in cases involving AI. Legal scholars and policymakers grapple with defining the parameters of consent, responsibility, and rights in the context of AI-enhanced intimate interactions, adding a layer of complexity to the ongoing discourse.

• Moral and Ethical Considerations:

The moral and ethical dimensions of AI integration are multifaceted. Moral intuitions, deeply ingrained in human psyche, often guide individuals' responses to emerging technologies. Concerns about privacy, consent, and the potential for exploitation in the context of AI-driven intimate relationships reflect the intricate interplay between human morality and technological advancements. 

Moreover, the impact of morality and ethics on humans extends globally in the context of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI). Regarding AI as helper-care robots, the European Parliament recently published a report from their plenary session titled "Report with recommendations to the Commission on Civil Law Rules on Robotics." According to this report, the growing use of robotics and artificial intelligence in social settings has the potential to significantly influence physical and moral relationships within our society,  "Robotics and AI in the social context, the increasing communication, and interaction with robots have the potential to impact physical and moral relations in our society profoundly.This is especially the case for care robots towards which particularly vulnerable people, can develop emotional feelings and attachment, thus causing concerns over human dignity and other moral values" (European Parliament, n.d.).

The European Parliament has expressed worries about the emotional attachment vulnerable individuals may build towards care robots, which can raise ethical considerations regarding human dignity and moral principles.

• Perceptions of AI and Human-Like Entities:

Human perceptions of AI are influenced by a complex interplay of cultural, psychological, and ethical factors. Studies show that individuals tend to anthropomorphize AI, attributing human-like qualities and emotions to these entities. This tendency raises questions about the psychological impact of integrating AI, especially in contexts that involve emotional and intimate connections, much like Harmony the Sex Robot in the photos provided in this paper.

• Psychological Impact on Human Relationships:

The integration of AI into intimate aspects of human life raises questions about the potential impact on interpersonal relationships. Psychological studies suggest that human interactions with AI can influence social behavior and emotional well-being. Understanding how individuals form attachments to AI entities and the implications for human relationships is essential for addressing concerns related to societal well-being. Further investigation into human and AI relations are needed. 

• Cultural and Religious Variations in Perspectives:

Cultural and religious differences play a significant role in shaping attitudes toward AI and its integration into human life. While some cultures may embrace AI as a positive force, others may resist its influence, viewing it through the lens of tradition and moral values. Recognizing and respecting these cultural variations is crucial for fostering a global dialogue on the ethical implications of AI. 

Religiosity can also play a larger role in perspectives. For example, Judaism and Christianity speak against immoral sexual acts. The belief is that God invented sex. He gave humans sex as a blessing and for us to multiply. If we use robots as sexual partners, who aren’t sentient and cannot reproduce, this relationship is considered an immoral act. In Romans 1:18-32, the apostle Paul refers to men and woman to be guarded against “unnatural sex” and committing “ shameful acts” (New American Standard Bible, 2021). In Christianity, we are to use good judgement and discernment regarding the use of AI. In Romans 1:26-27, scripture proclaims the dangers of being carried away by unnatural passions and ignoring God as the Creator. The Bible proclaims that every human knows God. The Bible also warns against unnatural acts, but God allows the freewill of man to make the choice, but also warns against the repercussions. 

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world, His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, the did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools. Therefore, God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever.

 

For this reason, God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way, also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error” (New American Standard Bible, 2021, Romans 1:18-27).

Just as the Rosenthal-von der Pütten et al., 2019 experiment suggests, it is ingrained in us and that the brain signals the amygdala in the rejection of artificial agents, we should use AI as a tool, and be cautious in engaging in intimacy and sexual relations. Deeper studies need to investigate the emotional connection or disconnection between robots and sexual relationships.

• The Future of Sex and Intimacy:

Digisexuality is here, but is this where we should be regarding sexual intimacy, considering we are made in the Imago Dei (Image of God) and that He is the Creator. As scripture proclaims in Genesis 2:18, “Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him” (New American Standard Bible, 2021). The original helper, according to the Old Testament, was a woman as scripture proclaims in Genesis 2:22-23, “The LORD God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man. The man said, “This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man” (New American Standard Bible, 2021). One of the most controversial aspects of AI integration is its potential role in shaping the future of sex and intimacy. The creation of human-like entities designed for companionship and intimate interactions raises ethical questions about consent, emotional attachment, and the commodification of relationships. Understanding the psychological aspects of human responses to these evolving technologies is paramount for developing ethical guidelines.

Conclusion:

The evolving landscape of AI and human-like entities challenges existing paradigms of laws, morals, and ethics. As society grapples with the psychological dimensions of these discussions, it is imperative to consider the diverse perspectives that shape individual and cultural attitudes. As Harmony, the sex robot looked eerily real, the truth is, she is not human. Harmony is a robot–a vacuum cleaner in a wig. Navigating the future of AI requires a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates insights from psychology, ethics, law, religion, and cultural studies. By understanding the intricate interplay between human psychology and emerging technologies, and we were called to be according to scripture, we can work toward ethical frameworks that balance innovation with the preservation of human values and well-being. In keeping in mind that AI and robotics as tools, we must differentiate their use to create a less dystopian society, especially concerning relationships.

 

Final Remarks:

Go back to the puritan roots of the United States and remember that God is love. Love is the connective bind. The Trinitarian God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) created us in His likeness, “Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…God created man in His own image in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth”” (New American Standard Bible, 2021, Genesis 1:26-28). We are trinitarian by nature, made of mind, body, and soul. There is no better connection than between people. Put all your faith in Christ, the unchanging stronghold and Savior of life, not in the ever dynamic, non-sentient AI. Use good judgement with AI as a helpful tool. 

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References

Cox, D. (2018). Would child sex robots stop pedophilia – or promote it?. NBC News, Jan. 4, 2018. https://www.nbcnews.com/mach/science/would-child-sex-robots-stop-pedophilia-or-promote-it-ncna834576.

European Parliament. (n.d.). Plenary sitting. European Parliament. December 13, 2022. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-8-2017-0005_EN.pdf 

Kurtz, R. (2018). CES 2018 Harmony the Sex Robot. [Photo]. Las Vegas, Nevada.

Kurtz, R. (2018). CES 2018 Harmony the Sex Robot. [Screenshots]. https://www.realdoll.com/

Kurtz, R. (2023). CES 2018 Harmony the Sex Robot. [Video]. Las Vegas, Nevada. https://youtube.com/shorts/0HoV4W7WzW8?si=9b_tUrZos_5gCbkE

Maras, M.H. & Shapiro, L. ((2017) ). Child sex dolls and robots: More than just an uncanny valley. Journal of Internet Law, 3–21.

Marchant, G. E., & Climbingbear, K. (2022). Legal resistance to sex robots. Journal of Future Robot Life, 3(1), 91-107. https://doi.org/10.3233/FRL-210009

New American Standard Bible. (2021). Zondervan. (Original work published 1960)

Posner, R.A. (1992). Sex and Reason. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

Rosenthal-von der Pütten, A. M., Krämer, N. C., Maderwald, S., Brand, M., & Grabenhorst, F.  (2019). Neural Mechanisms for Accepting and Rejecting Artificial Social Partners in the Uncanny Valley. The Journal of neuroscience :the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience, 39(33), 6555 -6570. https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2956-18.2019

Russell-Rose, Tony & Tate, Tyler. (2012). Designing the Search Experience: The Information Architecture of Discovery. United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner. (n.d.). Convention on the Rights of the Child. Retrieved from https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/convention-rights-child

 

 

Rita Kurtz (Ph.D. in progress) is a Harvard University Scholar and Thought Leader in multidisciplinary and cross-sector concentrations including Artificial Intelligence (AI), technology, writing, law, psychology, neuroscience, neurotheology, ethics, morals, divinity, diversity, anthropology, and the sciences. 

Rita is an interdisciplinary researcher and recent graduate of Harvard University with a master's degree from the Faculty of Arts & Sciences department. Studying under esteemed Harvard Law School Professor Roberto Mangabeira Unger (SJD), Harvard University Law Director of Intellectual Property Allan Ryan, including Dr. Cornel West (Presidential Candidate 2024), and Dr. Arthur Kleinman (Harvard Department of Anthropology and Psychiatry), gave her well-roundedness in the interdisciplinary studies of law, anthropology, philosophy, ethics, morals, media, religiosity, and politics making her a well-prepared Ph.D. candidate. Through the acquisition of a prestigious Cross-Registration Academic Scholarship from Harvard, she gained a broader academic perspective and cultivated a profound curiosity about making scholarly contributions to the discourse surrounding difficult existential inquiries. In light of her Harvard Professor Unger's discussions on ethical, moral, and legal ramifications of utilizing artificial intelligence and the effects of the Knowledge Economy, she further investigated these topics, gaining the implications of the historical Tocquevillian perspective on the underestimation of technology's role. Historical data such as history, religiosity, and technology, piqued her interest in investigating these future issues in an effort to offer deeper research and discussions to grapple with these AI existential issues.

While at Harvard University, Rita combined her professional skills in television and film and took part in several projects, such as being selected out of several candidates, to participate in a research study at the Langer Mindfulness Lab in the Department of Psychology which delved into the intense psychological effects of news medium's impact on the consumption and conveyance of news to the public. As a researcher at Harvard, she wrote two research papers and successfully presented them to a panelist of fellow Ph.D. scientists. The first paper researched Nutraceutical Skin Therapy: Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Ganoderma lucidum, a study on how mushrooms may support youthful skin and aid in patients suffering from the autoimmune disease, sarcoidosis. The second delved into extensive research on Meat Analogues: Are We Making a Positive Political Advancement to Save the Planet? Or A Personal Health Choice that Barely Sustains Ourselves?, uncovering the unnatural ingredients masked in meatless burgers from Beyond Meat and Impossible Burger. She became a published nonfiction writer and a certified digital storyteller while at Harvard. 

In her undergraduate degree, her interdisciplinary studies in law, anthropology and philosophy, makes her a well-rounded research candidate. Her past academia undergraduate BBA studies covered a gamut of disciplines including writing legal briefs and law courses in Constitutional Law, Business Law I &II, Torts, Corporate Finance, Accounting 1 & 2, Human Resources, Business Policy, Political Science, Operations Management, Programming, Economics, Chemistry, Chemistry Lab, and Consumer Behavior. Her studies in computer programming, economics, anthropology, and philosophy, broadened her technical mindset for business.

Rita runs an online e-commerce store and is a digital content creator, gaining some experience with Python Programming language. She stays current on mainstream topics as a blogger, social media influencer, and actress/entertainer. As a world traveler, she divides her time between speaking, performing, and engaging in television, radio, and stage productions. She has covered tech news and innovations as a repeat spokesperson at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), MacWorld, and for Belkin Components, hence the nickname, “Gadget Girl.” Her past acting appearances aired on Lifetime, History Channel, Fox, and the Paramount Network, landing her on an Emmy-nominated show. Her experience in media, led to a career in television, radio, movies, stage, and writing, gained her the branding of RitaRitaRita.

As a prior executive producer, TV and radio host of a positive side of sports, life and entertainment variety show, her co-hosts included Pro-NFL players and Industry Professionals. The show broadcasted on Warner Brothers Television and Fox. Her position led to interviews with billionaires, millionaires, celebrities, professional athletes, NASCAR drivers, professional medical staff, professional attorneys, musicians, and business owners. As a headline lead singer, she has toured with Grammy-Award winning musicians, and performed the national anthem for several professional sports teams around the United States. Rita is a strong writer, researcher, listener, articulate speaker, and takes direction well. She is most recognized for the national TV commercial in which she belted opera on a bus with a guy dressed like a Scandinavian viking-JG Wentworth (877-CASHNOW).

Rita formerly worked with a private company as a Government Account Executive supplying computer networks to the U.S. military around the globe creating relationships between the civilian sector and the government. She has also worked as a Record-Breaking Executive Technical Recruiter, receiving "Recruiter of the Month" and "Recruiter of the Year," for placing the highest commission received for the company, by placing a CEO into a Fortune 500 Tech Company. Her responsibilities as an Executive Technical Recruiter placed C-level executives into major tech companies and start-ups. Her well roundedness and entrepreneurial mindset led her to running a successful bakery at the Department of Defense (DoD) Air Force Exchange.

Currently pursuing her Doctorate of Philosophy degree, with a Christian Lens on ethics and morals, in Psychology and Law, her current research interests include artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), law, ethics, morals, neuroscience, bioethics, aviation, military affairs, divinity and diversity. Her postgraduate studies at Liberty University allows her to research, analyze, test, generate new data, and the application of statistical and analytical data. Setting academic theories in psychology with a Christian worldview, opening deeper theories into more professional values, morals, ethics, behaviors, attitudes, justices, theoretical modeling, evidence-based modeling, culturally diversity standardization, leadership in trends, concepts, and methods. She is currently studying neuroscience, cognitive psychology, social-personality psychology, neurotheology, law, and statistics. Her main focus lies in self-regulation in the discipline of Health Psychology from a holistic-mind, body, spirit, and soul approach.

She is a current member of the American Psychological Association (APA), American Psychology-Law Society (AP-LS), National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), American Federation of Musicians (AFM), Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS), Harvard Black Alumni Society (HBAS), Harvard Club of NY, Harvard Club of Southern California, and the Harvard Alumni Association. She currently resides in Beverly Hills, California. Her faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation for her life. On top of her Ph.D. studies and graduating from Harvard University, she continues her law journey enrolling in the law and ethics course, Justice, at Harvard X.

 

Awards: 

• As of December 2023, Awarded a High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa 2024-2026. The HPI Visa provides preferential treatment to academic elite students with a professional degree from a top-ranked Ivy League university within the past five years, expanding horizons and international business in the United Kingdom. In 2022, only 1342 applicants were accepted globally.
• SMARTscholarship 2023 semi-finalist
• Harvard Academic Cross-Registration Scholarship Award 2021
• Top 20 List on Talking Writer 2020
• Record-breaking "Recruiter of the Month" for earning the company's highest single-placement for placing a CEO, as an Executive C-Level recruiter in a Fortune 500 Tech Company.
• SEFMD Science and Engineering Award in Microbiology, (First place (level 1) and second place (level 2)