Page 54 - AVN July 2017

FEATURE
FEATURE | By Sherri L. Shaulis
DR. SADIE ALLISON, TickleKitty.com
Pleasure Boutique founder, is a sexologist and
author. Learn more at DrSadie.com.
KENNA COOK is a sex educator and
pleasure professional with O.school.
KEN MELVOIN-BERG is a sex educator
and a writer and producer for Showtime’s Sex
with Sunny Megatron.
What are the benefits and/or drawbacks of sex with pleasure products
using haptic (teledildonic) technology?
Bethany Stevens: I am thrilled about this growing part of the sex toy industry. While I have yet
to try the shirts that can hug a person at a distance or a vibrator that can drive a person wild at a
distance with lover/s, I am keen on their possibilities for long-distance relationships. Even if not
long-distance consistently, these tools can provide something fun for those of us who travel a fair
amount and still need to be fucked by those we want.
Shep Sheppard: I have had the benefit of using teledildonic technology with a couple of long-
distance play partners. It gives a way to connect not only from a distance but allows for BDSM play
to come into play with it as well.
Ken Melvoin-Berg: Haptic technology is really in its infancy and hasn't graduated to its full potential
yet. Most of the devices are very similar, where it is connected via the internet to a remotely located
partner. Most of them are capable of simple mechanical motions that feel robotic and monotone to
the user. The only upside so far is attempted intimacy via long distance.
Jason McCoy: Many will benefit from this technology. If it’s a cam girl who’d like to play with
clients, these toys are up her alley. Partners who are separated for long periods of time will truly
benefit from these toys. I’d say that this technology is still in the beginning stages and will continue
to advance for many years to come. Cons: Many of these toys will require some level of computer
technology understanding. This is not an understatement; just know that baby boomers will have a
hard time relating to this technology, while millennials and adults comfortable with programming
will have no problem using this advanced technology in the bedroom.
Dr. Sadie Allison: Teledildonics is like any new technology: too many bells and whistles can
overcomplicate things and distract from the connective experience of partner sex. The tech products
on the market for couples right now seem to strike a good balance. They're helpful and user-friendly
without taking too much away from emotional sharing with your partner. Haptic devices allow for a
highly enhanced version of phone or Skype sex, which keeps couples connected while traveling or in
long distance relationships. Teledildonics is a pretty amazing concept. Couples anywhere in the world
can control each other's pleasure and have real-time tech-sex using vibrators and masturbators. The
ability to connect from afar may even discourage infidelity in monogamous couples who have to
travel constantly for business. Instead of heading down to the hotel bar,
couples can plan "Skype sex dates" and look forward to the unique kind of sexy fun you can have with
a haptic sex toy. These types of products are creating a new kind of intimacy and
excitement for relationships.
Kitty Stryker: The typical answer is that teledildonics are good for couples who have long-distance
relationships or a temporary separation for work. I suspect they could be fun for people who struggle
with in-person intimacy, whether that be a trust issue, a trauma response or a mental health need.
One advantage to teledildonics is that it would be easier to ascertain consent—it's easier to end an
interaction when it's not pleasurable for you when all you have to do is unplug.
Sunny Rodgers: I think sexual pleasure is healthy. This is where I would normally list all the
benefits of orgasm for all sexes, but coming off of Masturbation May and June Pride I’m sure
everyone has already been reminded of them. Haptic (teledildonic) technology is not only advancing
in the pleasure product industry, but in mainstream as well. Take Wearablex’s Fan Jersey, where
wearers can feel the action of a football game. Or Nadi haptic technology yoga pants, also from
Wearablex, that guide you to properly perform yoga stances. And I’m a fan of teledildonics that allow
couples all over the globe to interact sexually together. Who hasn’t wished that FaceTime could offer
a little more stimulation when you’re away from your partner?
Jon Pressick: The biggest drawback and fear is that haptic tech will pull us away from each other—
literally. The loss of human contact is a real concern; however, I do think it is a tad overblown. People
will always be interested in touching others. Sure, there will be some who withdraw into the tech
and find their sexual satisfaction through pleasure products instead of people. However, I really
believe that number will be small. On the other hand, I think there is a tremendous opportunity to
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include more folks in sexual satisfaction through haptic tech:
those on the neurodivergent spectrum. The potential for people
who do not want to touch others but might still enjoy some
level of interaction with others is strong. Folks who have motor
ability challenges or injury can enjoy a much different way of life
with haptic tech fun.
I WOULD LOVE TO SEE
MORE EXPLORATION
WITH INTERNAL
ELECTRIC E-STIM TOYS
OR SONIC TOYS.
—KEN MELVOIN-BERG
As fucking machines gain in popularity, what
are the pros and cons of their effect on partner
sex?
Shep Sheppard: As a disabled vet, I believe fucking machines
are another way to modify sex with partners. The pros for me are
that it removes some physical limitations. I have not found any
cons in my personal life.
Dr. Sadie Allison: Fucking machines are still somewhat of a
specialty product because of their higher price point, larger size
and consumer perception based on their association with intense
sexual activity. … However, manufacturers are beginning to offer
options that are smaller, less expensive and more approachable
for everyday couples. … For couples that are interested in trying
a fucking machine, but are unsure of whether it will work for
them, start with one of the smaller versions first, or try a toy
that will provide a similar thrusting experience. What's great
about fucking machines is that they provide a truly hands-free
sex toy experience! One partner can choose the position and
intensity while the other uses both hands for touching and
pleasing, or hand over the controls and let your partner take
over. Watching your partner enjoy themselves on a fucking
machine can be really hot for couples, too.
Kitty Stryker: I think it really depends on the couple! I
personally am not a big fan of using fucking machines myself. ...
But I enjoy watching a partner use them, if it's something they
like! I imagine fucking machines could be helpful for people
with disabilities or mobility issues—for example those who may
not have good muscle control—so that could be a big pro for
some. I also imagine some will say it damages intimacy between
partners, but I don't think that needs to be true—using a fucking
machine would just mean learning new types of intimacy (like
mutual masturbation, voyeurism, etc.).
Ken Melvoin-Berg: This is an interesting question because
there are fucking machines designed to be used on both kinds
of genitalia. The biggest con from the receiver's perspective is
friction. If you are using this with more than one person, use
condoms and a good lube to go with it. I highly advise using
silicone lube because of its viscosity. … From the giver's point
of view, arm and wrist strength is the largest problem. You often
have to hold the device at an awkward angle for a few minutes,
so find a good resting point for your arm. Also make sure to keep
your back in a comfy position.
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