DOCSLIB.ORG

When Your Vibrator Looks Like a Penis

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
When Your Vibrator Looks Like a Penis When your vibrator looks like a penis An empirical analysis of the effect of human resemblance in vibrators on women’s evaluations Lotte Harenslak (10853405) Master Thesis MSc Business Administration – Marketing Track Supervisor: Andrea Weihrauch June 23rd, 2017 Statement of originality This document is written by Lotte Harenslak, who declares to take full responsibility for the contents of this document. I declare that the text and the work presented in this document are original and that no sources other than those mentioned in the text and its references have been used in creating it. The Faculty of Economics and Business is responsible solely for the supervision of completion of the work, not for the contents. 2 Abstract How would women respond if vibrators started looking more like realistic penises? Realistic human-resembling sex robots are starting to disrupt the sex toys industry, so marketers need to investigate whether they should encourage or prevent this trend of human resemblance from catching on to other sex toys, specifically to vibrators. If marketers would sell vibrators that don’t comply to what women currently desire, they could risk aggravating the taboo or even raising the threshold to purchase and use vibrators. Two theories – anthropomorphism and the uncanny valley – predicted contradicting evaluations of women towards the appearance of vibrators. This study followed a 2 (color: blue versus skin-color) x 2 (surface: dots versus veins) between-subjects experimental design. Results of an online questionnaire (N = 233) showed that women significantly preferred artificially colored (blue) vibrators over skin-colored vibrators, but they had no preferences for any surface. Anthropomorphism appeared to negatively affect how women perceived a vibrator, which was in accordance to the uncanny valley. This has raised the expectancy that women will not start demanding realistic vibrators in the near future, as vibrators are used in a very different context (fun, empowerment, therapeutic) than sex robots are (affinity, substitution for partner). In order to minimize the shame associated with sex toys and to reach more consumers, marketers need to focus their efforts on the enjoyment and health benefits of masturbation. Key words Vibrators; sex toys; sex robots; masturbation; sexual health; anthropomorphism; uncanny valley; skin-color. 3 Table of contents Statement of originality ........................................................................................................... 2 Abstract ..................................................................................................................................... 3 Key words .......................................................................................................................... 3 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 9 Academic relevance ............................................................................................................. 10 Managerial relevance ........................................................................................................... 11 Structure of the thesis ........................................................................................................... 11 Literature review ................................................................................................................... 12 The vibrator .......................................................................................................................... 12 The image of vibrators ......................................................................................................... 14 History of the vibrator and masturbation ......................................................................... 14 Today: autonomy and acceptance .................................................................................... 16 The rise of realistic vibrators? .............................................................................................. 17 Why realistic vibrators might succeed ................................................................................. 18 Why realistic vibrators might fail ........................................................................................ 19 The uncanny valley .......................................................................................................... 20 Dimensions of the uncanny valley ................................................................................... 22 Acquaintance ........................................................................................................................ 23 The appearance of the vibrator ............................................................................................ 24 Conceptual model ................................................................................................................ 25 Methodology ........................................................................................................................... 26 Research design ................................................................................................................... 26 Sample .................................................................................................................................. 26 4 Independent variables .......................................................................................................... 27 Color ................................................................................................................................ 27 Surface ............................................................................................................................. 28 Dependent variables ............................................................................................................. 30 Likeability ........................................................................................................................ 30 Willingness to use ............................................................................................................ 30 Additional dependent variables ........................................................................................ 31 Control variables .................................................................................................................. 32 Shape ................................................................................................................................ 32 Material ............................................................................................................................ 33 Gender .............................................................................................................................. 33 Age ................................................................................................................................... 33 Covariate variables ............................................................................................................... 33 Acquaintance .................................................................................................................... 33 Additional covariates ....................................................................................................... 34 Questionnaire design and ethics ........................................................................................... 34 Control questions ............................................................................................................. 35 Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 35 The experiment ................................................................................................................ 36 Consumer characteristics ................................................................................................. 36 Debriefing ........................................................................................................................ 37 Results ..................................................................................................................................... 38 Descriptive analyses ............................................................................................................. 38 Reliability ............................................................................................................................. 39 Correlations .......................................................................................................................... 40 5 Hypotheses testing ............................................................................................................... 42 Evaluations of vibrators (H1, H2 and H3) ....................................................................... 42 Consumer characteristics (H4) ......................................................................................... 48 Additional consumer characteristics ................................................................................ 51 Overview of hypotheses ....................................................................................................... 53 Discussion ............................................................................................................................... 54 Evaluations of vibrators
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Sex Toys: Material & Care
    Sex Toys: Material & Care Adapted from: Good Vibrations and Babes in Toyland. For all Toy Use If you'd like to swap toys with a partner or use the same toy vaginally and anally without interrupting the flow of things to wash up, put a condom on your toy (a new one for each use) to minimize the risk of transmitting viruses or bacteria. Vibrators Vibrators can be wiped clean with a cloth moistened with warm water or alcohol. Vinyl vibrator attachments can even be washed in the top rack of a dishwasher. To prevent corrosion of motor parts, don't ever immerse a vibrator in water (except, of course, waterproof vibrators). Silicone Toys Clean silicone with mild soap and water, and make sure it's been rinsed well and is thoroughly dry before putting it away. (Most viruses and bacteria cannot live on a dry surface.) Silicone products can also be safely washed in the top rack of a dishwasher or sterilized by boiling (unless your dildo has any plastic parts attached). Any toy made of silicone has a non-porous surface that will clean easily and thoroughly. Silicone is the best material for any toy that may be used by more than one person because it can be disinfected between people. If you boil a silicone dildo for 3-5 minutes in plain old water, you will have a safe playing field for the next person. You can just wash it with antibacterial soap if you are using it with the same person. One word of caution: please do what you can to avoid breaking the surface of the silicone.
    [Show full text]
  • Physiology of Female Sexual Function and Dysfunction
    International Journal of Impotence Research (2005) 17, S44–S51 & 2005 Nature Publishing Group All rights reserved 0955-9930/05 $30.00 www.nature.com/ijir Physiology of female sexual function and dysfunction JR Berman1* 1Director Female Urology and Female Sexual Medicine, Rodeo Drive Women’s Health Center, Beverly Hills, California, USA Female sexual dysfunction is age-related, progressive, and highly prevalent, affecting 30–50% of American women. While there are emotional and relational elements to female sexual function and response, female sexual dysfunction can occur secondary to medical problems and have an organic basis. This paper addresses anatomy and physiology of normal female sexual function as well as the pathophysiology of female sexual dysfunction. Although the female sexual response is inherently difficult to evaluate in the clinical setting, a variety of instruments have been developed for assessing subjective measures of sexual arousal and function. Objective measurements used in conjunction with the subjective assessment help diagnose potential physiologic/organic abnormal- ities. Therapeutic options for the treatment of female sexual dysfunction, including hormonal, and pharmacological, are also addressed. International Journal of Impotence Research (2005) 17, S44–S51. doi:10.1038/sj.ijir.3901428 Keywords: female sexual dysfunction; anatomy; physiology; pathophysiology; evaluation; treatment Incidence of female sexual dysfunction updated the definitions and classifications based upon current research and clinical practice.
    [Show full text]
  • Hormone Therapy and Sexual Health for People with Hormone-Positive Breast Cancer
    Hormone therapy and sexual health For people with hormone-positive breast cancer Read this brochure to learn about: • Hormone therapy for breast cancer • How hormone therapy can affect your vagina, sexual health, and general wellbeing • Things you can try to help manage side effects • Resources and contact information Table of contents What is hormone therapy? .........................................4 Hormone therapy and vaginal health .......................5 What can I do about my side effects? ........................7 Hormone therapy and mood .................................. 18 Changes with intimacy and relationships ............ 19 For more information .............................................. 21 Notes ........................................................................... 22 3 What is hormone therapy? If your cancer is hormone-positive, your treatment will include hormone therapy. This medicine blocks estrogen and progesterone in the body. How long will I need to take hormone therapy? You will probably need to take hormone therapy for 5 years. You may need to take it longer. Some people take it for up to 10 years. Keep taking it as long as your oncologist has suggested. Your breast cancer is less likely to return if you take all of the hormone therapy you need. Which medicine will I get? Your oncologist will choose the best hormone therapy for you. You may need to take a pill every day or get a shot once a month. What you need depends on the type of breast cancer you have. If you still have periods, you may also need to take medicine that stops your ovaries from working. 4 How can hormone therapy affect my vaginal and sexual health? Hormone therapy blocks estrogen in your body. This can change how moist your vagina is.
    [Show full text]
  • CASE NO. 2014 CR 00368 Vs. : Judge Mcbride ADAM
    COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO STATE OF OHIO : Plaintiff : CASE NO. 2014 CR 00368 vs. : Judge McBride ADAM PATRICK CHRISTMAN : DECISION/ENTRY Defendant : Carol A. Rowe, assistant prosecuting attorney for the State of Ohio, 76 S. Riverside Drive, 2nd Floor, Batavia, Ohio 45103. Rapp Law Office, Joshua R. Crousey, counsel for the defendant Adam Patrick Christman, One E. Main Street, Amelia, Ohio 45102. This case came before the court for trial on January 20, 2015. At the conclusion of the trial, the court took the issues raised at trial under advisement. Upon consideration of the record of the proceeding, the evidence presented for the court’s consideration, the oral arguments of counsel, and the applicable law, the court now renders this written decision. The defendant is charged in a one-count indictment with Gross Sexual Imposition in violation of R.C. 2907.05(A)(1), a felony of the fourth degree. 1 FINDINGS OF FACT On June 11, 2014, Kimberly Barber took her daughter and the defendant Adam Christman’s son to vacation bible school. Around noon that day, Barber picked the two children up from the church and drove to the defendant’s house. The defendant’s son exited the car and ran inside the house, yelling to his father that he was home, and Barber followed him into the house. The defendant came from the hallway into the front room of the house and Barber handed the defendant his son’s papers from the bible school. Barber bent down and took off the VBS T-shirt the defendant’s son was wearing because Barber took the shirts to and from the church.
    [Show full text]
  • The FACTS About the Sex Ed Mandate Bill SB 2128: “An Act Relative to Healthy Youth”
    The FACTS about the Sex Ed Mandate Bill SB 2128: “An Act Relative to Healthy Youth” This bill needlessly eliminates existing local controls over sex education curricula, exposing young children to inappropriate and offensive sexual material. There is simply NO NEED to change current law and force new standards on every school in the Commonwealth. Here’s how SB 2128 would work: 1. This is a MANDATE: According to SB 2128, every public or charter school “that offers a comprehensive sexual health education curriculum [which is the overwhelming majority of schools in MA] shall provide medically accurate, age-appropriate… education.” SB 2128 Section 1 (pg. 3, lines 37-39) (emphasis added) “Age appropriate” is vaguely defined to include the “developing cognitive, emotional and behavior capacity typical for the age or age group.” SB 2128 Section 1 (pg. 2, lines 29-31). “Medically accurate,” teachings need only be “supported by peer-reviewed research” and “if relevant, published in peer-reviewed journals.” SB 2128 Section 1 (pp. 2-3, lines 33-36) 2. BUREAUCRATS decide what is taught: The role of local parents and educators in deciding curricula is instead given to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (“DESE”). The commissioner of DESE is granted authority “to update the health curriculum framework…” SB 2128, Sec. 2 (pg 4, lines 67-70). Current law, developed in the late 1990s, allowed parents, educators and legislators to review the frameworks. Under this bill, DESE can rewrite the standards unilaterally AFTER SB 2128 is passed, effectively mandating a sex ed program that doesn’t even exist yet! 3.
    [Show full text]
  • Fleshlight.Com • 1-877-Flesh-Me • © 2008 Interactive Life Forms, Inc
    www.Fleshlight.com • 1-877-flesh-me • © 2008 Interactive Life Forms, Inc. All Rights Reserved Table of Contents General Thoughts ................ 3 Manual Stimulation ............ 3 Rounding the Bases ............ 4 Brinkmanship ...................... 6 Short Circuits ....................... 7 Routines ............................... 8 Goals ..................................... 9 Five Essentials .................... 10 www.Fleshlight.com • 1-877-flesh-me • © 2008 Interactive Life Forms, Inc. All Rights Reserved Inside this manual are tips, tactics, and techniques which, when used in conjunction with the STU, will assist your transformation into a sexual legend. Results will not come without persistence on your part, but if you are dedicated, you now have all the tools you need to improve your stamina and better yourself as a lover. The road begins here... General Thoughts There are two obstacles hindering a man’s ability to last longer in bed. First there is the incredible sensation of divine friction. Then there is your mind. While the STU can mimic the sublime, unmistakable sensation of intercourse, it cannot recreate the sounds, the intensity, or the passion of sex. However, just like the athlete who practices for hours a day by himself so that he will be ready to perform in a game, you can do the same. Learn the skills. Practice the techniques. Your body and mind will remember this training and when the moment arrives for you to perform, you will excel. A Word on Tantra Many of the tips, tactics and techniques offered herein are based in varying degrees from teachings of the Tantric Arts. This is not by accident. In looking for the best advice, the soundest philosophy, it is only natural to go to the greatest source.
    [Show full text]
  • Spontaneous Erection and Masturbation in Equids. AAEP
    Spontaneous Erection and Masturbation in Equids Sue M. McDonnell, Ph.D.* INTRODUCTION Spontaneous erection accompanied by an activity thought to be and referred to as masturbation occurs in stallions. Spontaneous erection involves extension of the penis from the prepuce with engorgement to its full length and rigidity, in a solitary, rather than heterosexual, context. The activity known as masturbation involves rhyth- mic bouncing, pressing, or sliding of the erect penis against the abdomen achieved by rhythmic contraction of the ischiocavernosus muscles and/or pelvic thrusting (Fig. 1). With such stimulation, the glans penis usually enlarges as during copulation, and pre- sperm fluid may drip from the urethra. This behavior in horses seems analogous to spontaneous erection and masturbation noted in several other mammalian species. I-’ The significance of spontaneous erection and masturbation in horses, as in other species, is not well understood. Traditional views of spontaneous erection and mas- turbation in domestic horses follow those held for similar behavior observed in other domestic and captive wild animals. One theme is that these are aberrant behaviors, similar to other stable vices, resulting from regimentation or restricted activity of cap- tive or domesticexistence. 4-6Another theme is that spontaneous erection and mastur- bation represent an expression or “venting” of sexual frustration resulting either from inherent hypersexuality or from thwarted access to heterosexual activity. 6v7Further, it has been asserted that masturbation limits the potential fertility of an individual stal- lion by depleting semen reserves and sexual energy. Accordingly, spontaneous erec- tion and masturbation in horses are often discouraged. An array of management schemes and devices such as stallion rings, brushes, and cages have been employed to inhibit spontaneous erection and disrupt masturbation.8 Attempts to inhibit sponta- neous erection and masturbation involve considerable management effort as well as risk of genital injury to the horse.
    [Show full text]
  • Masturbation Among Women: Associated Factors and Sexual Response in a Portuguese Community Sample
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by Repositório do ISPA Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy Masturbation Among Women: Associated Factors and Sexual Response in a Portuguese Community Sample DOI:10.1080/0092623X.2011.628440 Ana Carvalheira PhDa & Isabel Leal PhDa Accepted author version posted online: 14 Feb 2012 http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/0092623X.2011.628440 Abstract Masturbation is a common sexual practice with significant variations in reported incidence between men and women. The goal of this study was to explore the (1) age at initiation and frequency of masturbation, (2) associations of masturbation with diverse variables, (3) reported reasons for masturbating and associated emotions, and (4) the relationship between frequency of masturbation and different sexual behavioral factors. A total of 3,687 women completed a web-based survey of previously pilot-tested items. The results reveal a high reported incidence of masturbation practices amongst this convenience sample of women. Ninety one percent of women, in this sample, indicated that they had masturbated at some point in their lives with 29.3% reporting having masturbated within the previous month. Masturbation behavior appears to be related to a greater sexual repertoire, more sexual fantasies, and greater reported ease in reaching sexual arousal and orgasm. Women reported a diversity of reasons for masturbation, as well as a variety of direct and indirect techniques. A minority of women reported feeling shame and guilt associated with masturbation. Early masturbation experience might be beneficial to sexual arousal and orgasm in adulthood. Further, this study demonstrates that masturbation is a positive component in the structuring of female sexuality.
    [Show full text]
  • A Manual on Navigating Child Masturbation Without Shame
    City University of New York (CUNY) CUNY Academic Works Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects CUNY Graduate Center 2-2021 Is This My Body? A Manual on Navigating Child Masturbation Without Shame Stephanie M. Amis The Graduate Center, City University of New York How does access to this work benefit ou?y Let us know! More information about this work at: https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/4179 Discover additional works at: https://academicworks.cuny.edu This work is made publicly available by the City University of New York (CUNY). Contact: [email protected] IS THIS MY BODY? A MANUAL ON NAVIGATING CHILD MASTURBATION WITHOUT SHAME by STEPHANIE AMIS A master’s capstone submitted to the Graduate Faculty in Liberal Studies in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts, The City University of New York 2021 i © 2021 STEPHANIE AMIS All Rights Reserved ii Is This My Body? A Manual on Navigating Child Masturbation without Shame by Stephanie Amis This manuscript has been read and accepted for the Graduate Faculty in Liberal Studies in satisfaction of the capstone project requirement for the degree of Master of Arts. Date: 1/14/21 Carrie Hintz Capstone Project Advisor Date: 1/14/21 Elizabeth Macaulay-Lewis Executive Officer THE CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK iii ABSTRACT Is This My Body? A Manual on Navigating Child Masturbation without Shame by Stephanie Amis Advisor: Carrie Hintz Children’s natural exploration of their bodies and sexual expression through masturbation is often considered to be taboo by many adults and caregivers. It is important that children are taught that they have the right to explore their own bodies, to express and experience any sexual developments that may be happening.
    [Show full text]
  • Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect
    STATE STATUTES Current Through March 2019 WHAT’S INSIDE Defining child abuse or Definitions of Child neglect in State law Abuse and Neglect Standards for reporting Child abuse and neglect are defined by Federal Persons responsible for the child and State laws. At the State level, child abuse and neglect may be defined in both civil and criminal Exceptions statutes. This publication presents civil definitions that determine the grounds for intervention by Summaries of State laws State child protective agencies.1 At the Federal level, the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment To find statute information for a Act (CAPTA) has defined child abuse and neglect particular State, as "any recent act or failure to act on the part go to of a parent or caregiver that results in death, https://www.childwelfare. serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse, gov/topics/systemwide/ or exploitation, or an act or failure to act that laws-policies/state/. presents an imminent risk of serious harm."2 1 States also may define child abuse and neglect in criminal statutes. These definitions provide the grounds for the arrest and prosecution of the offenders. 2 CAPTA Reauthorization Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-320), 42 U.S.C. § 5101, Note (§ 3). Children’s Bureau/ACYF/ACF/HHS 800.394.3366 | Email: [email protected] | https://www.childwelfare.gov Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect https://www.childwelfare.gov CAPTA defines sexual abuse as follows: and neglect in statute.5 States recognize the different types of abuse in their definitions, including physical abuse, The employment, use, persuasion, inducement, neglect, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse.
    [Show full text]
  • Sex, Lies, and Imitation Games: the Ethical Implications of an Artificially Intelligent Girlfriend
    SEX, LIES, AND IMITATION GAMES: THE ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS OF AN ARTIFICIALLY INTELLIGENT GIRLFRIEND A Thesis submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences of Georgetown University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Arts in Communication, Culture and Technology By Ellen Meredith Kaufman, B.A. Washington, DC April 3, 2018 Copyright 2018 by Ellen Meredith Kaufman All Rights Reserved ii SEX, LIES, AND IMITATION GAMES: THE ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS OF AN ARTIFICIALLY INTELLIGENT GIRLFRIEND Ellen Meredith Kaufman, B.A. Thesis Advisor: Mark MacCarthy, Ph.D. ABSTRACT With promising applications in business, health care and countless other fields, artificial intelligence may hold the key to cracking once-unsolvable industry challenges. The sex industry is no exception: For the makers of RealDoll, AI is poised to help meet customers’ most requested demand—bringing their sex dolls “to life.” Before the launch of their fully functional “sex robot,” the company encourages users to interact with “Harmony,” the AI at the heart of the technology, via its Android-based digital app. Though sex dolls have historically failed to alter sexual relations between humans, critics suggest that integrating AI technology demands researchers evaluate this prospect anew: Making sex dolls more lifelike—but not necessarily more realistic—could bolster negative gender stereotypes and erode cultural norms around sexuality. Though sex robots will undoubtedly be more than the sum of their parts, the experiences of Harmony app users provide a valuable entry point into this debate, offering empirical support for how people navigate intimate relationships with digital partners. Using qualitative content analysis, this study examines user discourse on the “Club RealDoll” forum to interrogate how the app engenders particular values or reinforces users’ preconceived attitudes about intimacy, consent and gender stereotypes.
    [Show full text]
  • The Mythical G-Spot: Past, Present and Future by Dr
    Global Journal of Medical research: E Gynecology and Obstetrics Volume 14 Issue 2 Version 1.0 Year 2014 Type: Double Blind Peer Reviewed International Research Journal Publisher: Global Journals Inc. (USA) Online ISSN: 2249-4618 & Print ISSN: 0975-5888 The Mythical G-Spot: Past, Present and Future By Dr. Franklin J. Espitia De La Hoz & Dra. Lilian Orozco Santiago Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, Colombia Summary- The so-called point Gräfenberg popularly known as "G-spot" corresponds to a vaginal area 1-2 cm wide, behind the pubis in intimate relationship with the anterior vaginal wall and around the urethra (complex clitoral) that when the woman is aroused becomes more sensitive than the rest of the vagina. Some women report that it is an erogenous area which, once stimulated, can lead to strong sexual arousal, intense orgasms and female ejaculation. Although the G-spot has been studied since the 40s, disagreement persists regarding the translation, localization and its existence as a distinct structure. Objective: Understand the operation and establish the anatomical points where the point G from embryology to adulthood. Methodology: A literature search in the electronic databases PubMed, Ovid, Elsevier, Interscience, EBSCO, Scopus, SciELO was performed. Results: descriptive articles and observational studies were reviewed which showed a significant number of patients. Conclusion: Sexual pleasure is a right we all have, and women must find a way to feel or experience orgasm as a possible experience of their sexuality, which necessitates effective stimulation. Keywords: G Spot; vaginal anatomy; clitoris; skene’s glands. GJMR-E Classification : NLMC Code: WP 250 TheMythicalG-SpotPastPresentandFuture Strictly as per the compliance and regulations of: © 2014.
    [Show full text]