Robot Girlfriend: Understanding Men’s Obsessions
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This article investigates the phenomenon of men’s engagements with 'robot girlfriends' through a distinctly ICT-oriented, interdisciplinary lens. While existing work emphasizes cultural and psychological aspects, this article foregrounds the role of artificial intelligence architectures, natural language processing, affective computing, and platform economics in shaping technologically mediated intimacy. Employing a systematic literature review across 85 academic sources, the study identifies how reinforcement learning loops, algorithmic bias, and feminized interface design embed patriarchal norms into human–robot interaction (HRI). A conceptual ICT framework is proposed that situates artificial intimacy at the convergence of emotional needs, cultural narratives, and technical architectures. The findings reveal that while AI-powered companions can simulate emotional security and mitigate loneliness, their architectural design and commercial models risk reinforcing patriarchal norms, commodifying intimacy, and deepening social isolation. The article concludes with policy and design recommendations, emphasizing the importance of feminist HRI standards, digital well-being safeguards, and ethical AI oversight to ensure artificial companionship contributes to human flourishing rather than worsening inequality.
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