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Strangers on the Internet

Guest Chat: The Sex Robot in the Closet with Dr. Kate Devlin

Season 2, Ep. 29

Irina and Michelle welcome international sex robots expert Dr. Kate Devlin, who explains the current state of technology and her views on the moral panic surrounding parasocial relationships with robots. Kate believes that most of people's fears about sex robots or AI replacing human relationships are overblown in a world in which even carrying around and finding a place to store a robot (the closet?) are challenges. In the second half of the episode, Kate also shares about her personal life, be it her search for balance with bipolar disorder, her polyamorous and dating app-related experiences, or the loving relationship with her younger (second) husband she found on Twitter. You will not want to miss our conversation with this Northern Irish powerhouse!


Dr. Kate Devlin's academic profile


Kate's book "Turned On" and general website


Kate's first TED talk


Kate's second TED talk

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