The dark side of sex dolls: Risks for society

Introduction

In Germany, the market for sex dolls is experiencing strong growth, driven by technological progress such as artificial intelligence (To) and always more realistic designs. This development enables users, to fulfill individual wishes, be it through the adaptation of skin color, Body dimensions or even personality traits. But while sex dolls are an alternative to human relationships for some, Also raise serious questions about your effects on society. Especially the objectification of women, The promotion of social isolation and ethical concerns are the focus of the debate. This article examines the potential risks of sex dolls for German society, Based on current research results and expert opinions, and illuminates the relevance for a German audience, that informs about these products.

Objectification of women

One of the central criticism of sex dolls is their potential role in reinforcing the objectification of women. A study by Prof. Dr. Johannes Fuß and Jeanne Desbulux from the Institute for Forensic Psychiatry and Sexual Research at the LVR University Clinic Essen, Published in Journal of Sex Research, examined the settings of 217 heterosexual male sex doll owners. Show the results, that user, who perceive their dolls as partners, have more misogynistic attitudes and objectification tendencies. Approximately 24 % the respondent reported, that their behavior towards women has changed, Although they showed less interest in real partnerships and found the bodies of potential partners. Fast 9 % gave sexist or objectifying answers, While only 6 % an improvement of your image of women. However, the researchers emphasize, that misogynistic thinking patterns in society are widespread, so that it is not clearly proven, whether sex dolls cause these attitudes or are only used by people with such views (Desbulent & Fuss, 2023).

Feminist voices underpin these concerns. Women's scientists- and criticize gender research at the TU Berlin, that sex dolls, As they are offered in the Berlin “Cybrothel”, convey a stereotypical and male -shaped view of women and sexuality. Models with exaggerated proportions such as large bust size and wasp waist promote unrealistic ideals of beauty and reduce women to objects of desire (rbb24, 2023). Activists and some experts, As in an article of the New Zürcher Zeitung mentioned, even require a ban on sex dolls, Since they could normalize the view of women as consumer goods (NZZ, 2025).

Social isolation

Another risk is the potential promotion of social isolation. The study by foot and desbulux showed, that user, who consider their sex dolls as partners, often have less interested in real interpersonal relationships. This could be particularly in Germany, where loneliness is already a growing social problem, be problematic. The possibility, To meet emotional and sexual needs through dolls, could reduce motivation, develop social skills or to enter into real bonds. This is particularly relevant for people, who have difficulties with social interactions anyway, As in the "Incel" community, where sex dolls are advertised as an alternative to human relationships (NZZ, 2025).

An article of the Welt describes, How a young entrepreneur rented and sold sex dolls in Germany, To counteract the "epidemic of loneliness". But while this may be a short -term solution for some users, Could the long -term preference for dolls about real relationships to increase social alienation (Welt, 2025).

Ethical and legal concerns

The integration of AI into sex dolls brings new ethical challenges. An article in the techmagazin c’t HAS REVOR, that AI-based dolls could collect biometric data such as facial features or sexual preferences, What is a risk of data abuse and blackmail (The mirror, 2025). Lawyer Iris Phan emphasizes, that sex dolls are legally considered objects, What questions about questioning and replicating harmful dynamics of power. Critics fear, that the possibility, to live out non-mutual scenarios with dolls, Such behaviors could normalize.

In Germany there have been sex dolls with a childish appearance since July 2021 prohibited in accordance with § 184L StGB, There is feared, that they could normalize sexual actions with children. This regulation reflects social sensitivity to ethical questions, But the debate about adult sex dolls remains controversial. Some, Like the criminal defender Jenny Lederer, Criticize the ban on childlays as a "irrational criminal policy", Since there is no empirical evidence of an increased risk of abuse (LTO, 2025).

Opposing perspectives

Despite the concerns, there are voices, The sex dolls attribute positive effects. Some users report, that dolls help them, To overcome social fears or to live out sexual needs in a secure framework. An article of the Welt describes, How sex dolls for people with physical restrictions or social fears can offer a form of society (Welt, 2025). There are also indications of this, that sex dolls in therapeutic contexts, For example for the treatment of sex offenders, could be used, Although the evidence is limited for this (WDR, 2024).

A survey, cited on a commercial website, suggest, that about 20 % the Germans consider buying a sex doll and over half have no problem with it, If your partner uses one. This indicates a certain social acceptance, Especially in a country, In the sex doll bordelle like the "Bordoll" in Dortmund are already established (The mirror, 2019).

Conclusion

Sex dolls are more than just a technical phenomenon; They raise complex questions about their effects on German society. The potential risks - from the objectification of women to social isolation to ethical and legal concerns - require a differentiated consideration. While some users see advantages such as society or sexual development, the concerns predominate, that sex dolls could increase harmful stereotypes and behaviors. In view of the limited empirical data, further research is necessary, To understand the long -term consequences. For German customers, who find out about sex dolls, it is important, to weigh both the individual advantages and social implications, To make an informed decision.