The history of human-like sex dolls is marked by a complex and often contradictory response from society. In some eras, they have been revered, seen as symbols of sexual exploration, companionship, or even artistic expression. In others, they have been reviled, viewed as objects that degrade human relationships, objectify women, and challenge social norms surrounding sexuality.
In ancient myths, dolls and automaton-like figures were sometimes celebrated as representations of love, creation, or the divine, like the story of Pygmalion in Greek mythology. Here, the act of creating a perfect, lifelike figure reflected humanity’s desire to control and create life-like companions.
As history progressed, however, the rise of modern sexuality and industrialization led to the creation of dolls that were more functional and often more crude. In the 20th century, the early rubber sex dolls were controversial and often linked to objectification and misogyny. These dolls were viewed by some as commodifications of women, reinforcing traditional gender roles and unhealthy sexual fantasies.
But as technology has advanced, so has the perception of sex dolls. Today, some view high-end human-like sex dolls as a form of therapy or self-exploration, helping people who struggle with intimacy or sexual dysfunctions. For others, the increased realism of dolls equipped with AI brings up questions about emotional attachment and the ethical implications of human-robot interactions. In short, human-like sex dolls remain both revered and reviled, depending on the lens through which they are viewed.