Bachelor thesis | Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (BSc)
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Since David Levy's notorious predictions about sex robots in 2007, debate and controversy has arisen over the potential roles and harms of sex robots in society. Some stand in support of their...Show moreSince David Levy's notorious predictions about sex robots in 2007, debate and controversy has arisen over the potential roles and harms of sex robots in society. Some stand in support of their existence and purport that they can be used for therapeutic reasons, whereas others stand staunchly against their usage and creation. This thesis aims to explore this debate through the method of 'controversy mapping', which has its roots in Actor-Network Theory (ANT) and digital methods. Through a series of maps, this thesis analyses the relationships of the actors and ideas within this controversy. It proves controversy mapping's use as a method within cases where technological development leaves space for fear mongering, and it uses the maps to show the ways in which fear has been spread about sex robots.Show less