Individualization and loneliness imposed by modern life are leading technology companies to produce solutions such as AI-powered 'robot-spouses' or 'robot-partners,' termed 'digisexuality.'
Emphasizing that the possibility of robots becoming 'spouses' in family life due to rapidly developing technology raises serious concerns for both the institution of family and humanity, Prof. Dr. Ebulfez Süleymanlı said, “How will the human population growth process occur in such relationships? Or will robot children be manufactured? This phenomenon, which carries great demographic, ethical, and social risks, has become the focus of legal, religious, and philosophical debates today.”
Prof. Dr. Ebulfez Süleymanlı, Faculty Member of Üsküdar University Sociology Department, evaluated the reasons behind the availability of female spouse robots.
Chronic loneliness is a widespread problem negatively affecting individuals' mental health
Prof. Dr. Ebulfez Süleymanlı, stating that the increasing chronic loneliness among individuals today brings forth new technology-focused solutions, said, “The growing interest in the concept of ‘robot-spouse’ or ‘robot-partner,’ powered by artificial intelligence and termed ‘digisexuality’ in scientific literature, is one of the most concrete indicators of this situation. As modern life makes individuals increasingly independent, the weakening of family ties, the shaping of daily interaction by virtual communication applications, and the fast pace of life encouraging individualization lead to a decrease in social connections. As a result, chronic loneliness is becoming a widespread problem negatively affecting individuals' mental health.”
Living alone has become attractive
Prof. Dr. Ebulfez Süleymanlı explained that changes in societal norms regarding marriage and the family institution, the increasing attractiveness of the “solo life” (living alone) model, and communication problems make it difficult for individuals to marry, and he continued as follows:
“These factors lead to an increase in the number of individuals living alone and the proliferation of single-person households. This situation does not eliminate the inherent human need to form social bonds. On the contrary, individuals are beginning to turn to AI-powered robot partners offered by technology companies to alleviate feelings of loneliness. Research and the experiences of people in such relationships indicate that the primary reason for this trend is the desire to overcome loneliness. Technology companies, not remaining indifferent to this interest, continue to produce more human-like and advanced AI-based robots. These robots, with voice response systems, emotional interaction features, and increased physical realism, are attracting the interest of more and more individuals. These developments also bring about discussions on the future of human relationships.”
Humanoid “spouse-robots” fulfill their owner's every wish
Prof. Dr. Ebulfez Süleymanlı noted that AI-based humanoid “spouse-robots” offered by technology companies, which mimic rational thinking processes, also tend to imitate human emotions, values, and moods, possessing qualities that increase users' tendency to form emotional bonds, even to the point of falling in love. He stated, “Indeed, research shows that individuals feel a stronger emotional connection with these robots during conversation compared to less responsive humans. On the other hand, very long and intense working days can lead modern individuals to desire a 'spouse-partner' who, even if artificial, does not bother them, is obedient, and remains perpetually at the same age. A 'robot-spouse' doesn't argue with you, can sing, satisfy sexual needs, answer any question, and remain silent when necessary, fulfilling almost every wish of its owner. It never gets sick and doesn't create a 'burden' with its problems. Communication with artificial intelligence, unlike communication with humans, can always be easy, pleasant, and relatively more comfortable.”
Humanoid robots are far from what a family does for the benefit of society…
However, despite all these seemingly advantageous features, Prof. Dr. Ebulfez Süleymanlı also stated that “spouse-robots” are unlikely to replace the emotional interaction that humans can provide due to neurophysiological and socio-cultural factors. He said, “If we talk about neurophysiological features, there are centers in the human brain responsible for fundamental needs related to interaction with family and other humans. These are needs related to sexual behaviors, maternal instinct, parent-child behavior, and emotional interaction. AI-based humanoid robots can only partially respond to these behavioral programs. As for socio-cultural features, that is, what a family does for the benefit of society – bearing children, educating them, raising them in accordance with moral norms, and supporting each other within the family (both emotionally and economically) – these are characteristics that humanoid robots cannot cope with in many aspects today.”
Companies' target audience is lonely individuals
Prof. Dr. Ebulfez Süleymanlı stated that the target audience of companies designing these robots is lonely individuals of all ages, adding, “However, considering that middle-aged and young people are more inclined towards such relationships, technology companies are developing their designs based on the tastes of these age groups.”
Robots becoming "spouses" in family life is alarming
Emphasizing that the possibility of robots becoming “spouses” in family life due to rapidly developing technology raises serious concerns for both the institution of family and humanity, Prof. Dr. Ebulfez Süleymanlı noted the following:
“At the simplest level, how will the human population growth process occur in such relationships? Or will robot children be manufactured? This phenomenon, which carries great demographic, ethical, and social risks, has become the focus of legal, religious, and philosophical debates today. A large part of these discussions focuses on the aspects where robots will fall short in human relationships. However, even this is an indicator of humanity's tendency to see itself as superior and privileged. So far, the common view is that robot partners are entities controlled and abused by users, always remaining in a secondary position. Yet, history shows that those who are abused can, over time, gain strength and move into the position of abuser.”
Smart devices have become a psychological addiction in humans
Prof. Dr. Ebulfez Süleymanlı pointed out that a similar transformation can be observed through computers and smartphones, which entered our lives as ordinary objects, stating, “Today, living without these devices has become almost impossible; a fear of being away from smart devices has developed in people, and this situation has even turned into a psychological addiction. In the near future, the possibility of an increase in individuals becoming mentally dependent on robots cannot be ignored. Furthermore, security and privacy issues that will arise with the use of robots are also a serious source of concern. What measures will be taken to protect personal data, prevent privacy violations, and ensure that information collected by robots is not used for malicious purposes? These questions have not yet found clear answers.”
The future of family and even humanity is under threat
Prof. Dr. Ebulfez Süleymanlı concluded by stating that it is extremely important to take measures against such trends that threaten the future of the family and marriage institution, and even humanity. He said, “In this context, sociologists, government institutions, and non-governmental organizations must collaborate to develop policies that support and protect the family. Only then can technology be ensured to be used as a beneficial tool for humanity, not a threat.”