Sex dolls have become the ideal “lover” for an increasing number of online shoppers. As the silicone & TPE sex doll industry continues to evolve, discussions about a dystopian ideal of love have emerged, reflecting widespread social loneliness and technological advancements.
While there is no such thing as a “perfect partner,” for certain groups, sex dolls closely resemble the imagined ideal. Though lifeless and devoid of sensation, they may not be the best choice for most people. However, for a rapidly growing consumer base in the multi-billion-dollar adult products industry, they seem to be a perfect match.
Over the past three decades, inflatable sex dolls, silicone & TPE sex dolls, or companion robotic sex dolls have faced fluctuations in public attention. In 2018, the BBC documentary “Sex Robots and Us” revealed significant technological advancements in doll manufacturing since the airing of the investigative program “Love Me, Love My Doll” in 2002. The dolls’ appearance and feel have become more realistic than ever, down to facial details and intimate areas.
With the ongoing prosperity of this industry, numerous companies producing sex dolls have emerged. The moral implications of these unconventional relationships are increasingly questioned, with vulgar language prevalent in various corners of the internet. Some argue, “You won’t hear a silicone & TPE sex doll say ‘no’; it will do anything you want.” The dominant emotions in this context are submission and objectification, stemming from the extreme views of those who engage with these silent and obedient dolls.
Following the prominent “MeToo” movement, which encouraged women globally to boldly express their thoughts, the silent compliance of sex dolls is disconcerting. However, every story has two sides. This industry originated from loneliness and our inherent desires for attention, love, and intimacy. It is a poignant reflection of a society dependent on the internet, lacking social interactions. Optimists claim that the rise in silicone & TPE sex doll sales is linked to a decrease in crime and violation rates. However, like many Black Mirror-esque technological innovations today, the issues surrounding sex dolls are complex and divisive.
This dual nature is the central theme of sex dolls. On one hand, they exude a peculiar stillness and an enduring sense of emptiness. On the other hand, they embody the increasing societal loneliness by showcasing the lifelessness of “humanity,” reflecting the real conditions of modern life—an anti-utopian concept that is both real and fictional. In the debate on sex dolls, revisiting customers and discussing their work, the decline of interpersonal relationships in real life, and society’s descent into isolation have been explored.
How did you first learn about sex dolls?
I first learned about sex dolls in the 90s. I saw some photos on websites and did some research online, stumbling upon pictures of doll enthusiasts. I wanted to own one but couldn’t afford it at the time—I was in my early twenties, and my financial situation wasn’t stable yet. Eventually, in the 2000s, I bought a doll, and I became obsessed with photographing them.
Why are these lifeless “beings” so appealing to you?
I guess it’s because love dolls were a part of many children’s lives, including mine. I grew up as an only child raised by a single mother, and dolls accompanied me, allowing me to escape my impoverished environment. If you think about it, it’s the first way children learn to use their imagination, projecting the little stories they concoct onto dolls. So, in my world, using them as tools to tell stories seems like a natural process.
What was your initial reaction to seeing sex dolls?
When the first sex doll arrived, I was struck by its realism. I considered myself a collector of various sex dolls and even kept some from my childhood.
Childhood and adult ways of “playing” are very different, but there are many similarities in terms of imagination. Why do love dolls play an important role in fantasy projection?
For me, growing up was a strange time. My parents divorced when I was young, and my father was a severe alcoholic. To support me, he often left me at neighbors’ houses while he worked, exposing me to many frightening things. Through my love dolls, I led a rich fantasy life. They were my escape and a form of therapy.
For many people, sex dolls also seem to have a therapeutic effect. They see them as companions and lovers, not just sexual objects. Do you know other love doll enthusiasts? How do you view this industry?
I know many love doll enthusiasts, both male and female. A common trait among those who use love dolls as companions is creativity, with many involved in music and art. If you want to hear heartwarming stories, there are also many lonely individuals. I dare say that with increasing modernization and automation, most people in society are lonely.
This adult industry taps into these cultural conditions, reflecting many aspects of contemporary society. If you had asked me this question ten years ago, I would have said sex dolls were manufactured to fulfill an ideal or perfect concept. But now, with so many types of dolls available, I can’t say that anymore. People increasingly want a doll that resembles a human rather than idealizing them.
Without the need for companionship, dolls wouldn’t integrate into society at the current pace. As a modern society, we are slowly diminishing interpersonal interactions, a self-inflicted consequence. Instead, we choose to stare at our phones and computers, which is truly sad. But I’m married, so I can connect with my significant other every day—I consider myself fortunate.
What is the process of photographing love dolls like? How do you arrange the settings to welcome and decide on each love doll’s personality?
Photographing love dolls is a multi-step process, and each one is different. I usually work alone and spend weeks setting up a shoot. It starts with the idea, then finding or creating a feasible location. After that, I select the dolls—they don’t have names or backstories; they’re just actors in my visual world.
How has the reception been for your love doll photography?
Reactions to my work vary from person to person, and most of the time, they are extreme. Many people won’t express their opinions. In the early days of shooting sex dolls, I often encountered offensive situations. However, as robots and artificial intelligence become more mainstream, more people find enjoyment in it.
