The creation and perception of human-like sex dolls have varied greatly across cultures and historical periods. In some societies, they’ve been seen as symbols of luxury and pleasure, while in others, they’ve been associated with taboos, sexuality, or even spirituality.
In ancient Greece, the myth of Pygmalion, a sculptor who created a woman out of ivory and fell in love with her, reflects a fascination with the idea of creating life or human-like beings. Although such myths may not represent the physical existence of sex dolls, they set the groundwork for the concept of creating artificial companions.
In Japan, the idea of human-like companions took a more commercial form. The “love dolls” (also known as “happily married dolls”) have been part of Japanese culture since the 1960s, and they represent an intersection of technology, intimacy, and artificial companionship. For some, these dolls serve as therapeutic tools for people struggling with social isolation, particularly those affected by hikikomori (acute social withdrawal). The dolls, which range from basic models to more advanced designs, have grown in popularity, even with AI integration.
In contrast, in Western societies, human-like sex dolls have often been subject to moral scrutiny and seen as taboo or even dehumanizing. The view of sex dolls in these regions has often focused on their objectification and the impact they might have on human relationships. For instance, in the United States, the rise of sex dolls has been met with a blend of curiosity, skepticism, and concern over their effects on human intimacy.
Each culture, however, has approached the creation of human-like dolls in its own way—whether as personal companions, artistic expressions, or **symbols of luxury and sexuality.