A SOCIOLOGICAL DISCOURSE ON RELIGION, THE SACREDNESS OF SEX AND DIGITAL INTIMACY IN AN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)-DRIVENAGE

Abstract

In the digital era, the interplay between sexual intercourse as a sacred phenomenon and intimate connections with robots (sexbots) or in the virtual space has sparked intense sociological debate. As artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly mediates human interactions, traditional notions of intimacy, sex, and other kinds of emotional connections are being reconfigured. In principle, religious institutions, which have historically regulated sexual norms and values, are faced with the challenge of adapting to the changing landscape. The rise of digital intimacy raises questions about the sacredness of sex, the role of AI in facilitating connections, and the blurring of boundaries between the physical and virtual. This emerging trend also has consequences in the society. Hence, with insights drawn from Thomas Tweed’s Crossing and Dwelling theory of religion and Emile Durkheim’s functionalism, this discourse qualitatively examines the complex sociological dynamics between religious beliefs about the sacredness of sex, and digital intimacy in an AI-driven world. Data is gathered through literal readings as well as interviews and focus group discussions. This sociological exploration delves into the tensions and perhaps, synergies between religious standards, alien sexual cultures occasioned by technological advancements, and human experiences of intimacy. It considers how religious institutions and the society navigate the opportunities and challenges presented by AI-driven digital intimacy, including online dating, virtual relationships, and sex technology. Ultimately, this study bares the implications of these interactions and makes recommendations to guide the understanding of human connection, intimacy, and the sacred in a world where technology is increasingly intertwined with the most personal experiences of humans