New technology has given another meaning to the old saying, “She’s a doll.”Sex dolls, which can include everything from blow-ups to interactive synthetic robots, have come under new scrutiny as technology has advanced to the point they are lifelike in appearance. The uses are as varied as the individual, from emotional support, like in the movie “Lars and the Real Girl,” to bringing pleasurable or violent sexual fantasies to life.
The dolls can be so realistic that there has even been law enforcement crackdown on models that look like children.
The sourced articles below provide a starting point into the new world of technologically advanced sex dolls and their ramifications on human relationships and society.
- I Found My Husband’s Sex Doll. Is It Right To Feel Betrayed?
“So where does this leave you? First, acknowledge that your feelings are understandable. Second, treat this not just as a crisis but as an opening to talk about your sex life, honesty and how both of you want to be in the marriage. Is he content with less frequent sex with you and more with the doll? Are you? Would couples or sex therapy help? What would make you feel less blindsided and more secure?”
Joshua Coleman, PhD, washingtonpost.com, 10/19/2025
- Child Sex Doll And Sex Robot Research: Taking A Child Rights Perspective
Abstract “… This article discusses the issue of one type of child sexual abuse material – child sex dolls and sex robots – i.e., anatomically correct, child-like commercial products for adults with a sexual interest in child materials. These customizable dolls/robotics have child-like features, body orifices and technology-facilitated programmable features. Child sex dolls have been used in therapeutic contexts with self-identified, treatment-seeking adults with various levels of interest in children. While advocates of child sex dolls propose a harm reduction rationale, in terms of satisfying adult sexual choice, there is very little supportive scientific evidence. We discuss the research on the risk-benefit approach to child sex dolls in the context of a child rights framework. With many jurisdictions categorizing these as either illegal or CSAM, we call for a standardized policy and clinical approach to achieve uniform child safeguarding initiatives.”
Ante Cuvalo and Christine Wekerle, sciencedirect.com, 8/15/2025
- Would Child Sex Robots Stop Pedophilia — Or Promote It?
“There’s wide agreement among experts that neither child sex dolls nor CSBs should be freely available for purchase. But some experts say the time has come to conduct scientific research to gauge their possible use as a deterrent for pedophilia, a psychiatric disorder that causes sexual attraction to prepubescent children and that is now treated with psychotherapy or, in some cases, libido-curbing drugs. … Laws may be one barrier to the use of CSBs as deterrents, though. In several countries, child-sized sex dolls are outlawed as child pornography.”
David Cox, nbcnews.com, 1/4/2018
- Sex Dolls Are Replacing China’s Missing Women
“Thanks to a long-held cultural preference for sons, coupled with over three decades of restrictive population planning policies, China is forecast to have over 30 million surplus men by 2030. This preference for boys has slowly dwindled, especially in the cities, but the country still faces a critical gap for the next few decades. … It has also led to a dramatic rise in the popularity of sex toys for lonely men.”
Mei Fong, foreignpolicy.com, 9/28/2017
- Why Is The Sex Robot Revolution Leaving Women Behind?
“But while expectations about sex robots have stayed relatively static through the decades, women’s sex lives haven’t. A lot of things that were historically considered to be straight men’s sexual territory are no longer so — especially in the realm of sex and sex toys.”
Gabrielle Moss, bustle.com, 9/28/2017
- Are Sexbots Here To Stay?
“Will we relinquish relationships with other human beings for the convenience of an unreal partner, and is reality in the eye of the beholder?”
Grant Hilary Brenner, MD, psychologytoday.com, 7/28/2017
- Why Men Love To Fuck Dolls
“While some may argue it’s better to get that connection from someone who can think and talk to you, [Dr. Peter] Kanaris says there are many psychological reasons an individual may be drawn to fucking rubber…”
Diana Tourjée, broadly.vice.com, 5/3/2016
- A (Straight, Male) History Of Sex Dolls
“Throughout history, men without access to beautiful statues—but with an inclination to make love to women-shaped things—have made do in various ways.”
Julie Beck, theatlantic.com, 8/6/2014