Marriage vs. Machine: Is Technology Stealing Your Intimacy?

I recently came across an article written by Artificial Intelligence researcher and author David Levy PhD. The article referred to his thesis titled: “Intimate Relationships with Artificial Partners”, in which Dr. Levy predicted that humans could marry Robots by the year 2050, and consummate those vows.


Just a recent as January 11th of this year, the company: True Companion, along with engineer and inventor Douglas Hines unveiled to the press for the first time ‘Roxxxy’ their version of a life like um, uh…sex robot.

My first reaction after reading that was Eewww! After all, who would rather replace their living, breathing red-blooded spouse for a machine? However I have noticed that over the last fifty to sixty years as technology has advanced, enabling us to become more independent as a society, the divorce rate has also risen. Could there be a correlation? After all, we can take work home with us now, leaving us with little precious time for our spouse and kids. We spend hours upon hours on our computers. Facebook, has provided instant interaction with others, and has enabled us to connect with old friends, some of whom we should not be corresponding with, if you seriously value fidelity in your marriage. Then of course, thanks to cell phones, we can be reached 24/7 by anyone. We hardly see our kids anymore, because they’re engrossed in the latest video game, or involved with any of the above-mentioned activities. And when we go to bed, we flip on the TV, until we can’t stay awake anymore.

Is it any wonder, that we see so many families, disconnected from each other? The very technology that is supposed to give us more freedom is essentially enslaving us. We are allowing “our machines” to divert our time and attention from those that deserve it the most, our spouse and our children. Could we be allowing technology to steal our intimacy in our marriages? Are we that far off from choosing to marry Robots instead of humans? David Levy says the question is not if this will happen, but when.

Let me say, that I believe technology is a wonderful thing, but so is chocolate cake! And as tempting as it is to eat it every day at every meal, if I gave in to that desire I would eventually ruin my health. If I am in bad health it affects my entire family, as they get the dregs, rather than the best of me. So how can you and I protect our marriages and families?

Most people buy insurance to protect their investments, such as cars and homes. Did you know that the second greatest investment you’ll ever make in your life is marriage? The first is surrendering your life to Christ. I suggest setting marriage protecting boundaries, which are agreed upon between you and your spouse.

My hubby likes Facebook. It has enabled him to contact a lot of old Army buddies, and I think that is great. However, he has also been contacted by a couple of old girlfriends. How do I know this? Because he told me, and he did not accept the offer to “become friends once again.” He is such a smart man; he is protecting ‘his investment.’

We also make a point to get out of the house with each other at night several times a week, even if it is just to grab a frozen yogurt or coffee. With or without kids, this is a great way to avoid the distractions that our machines at home provide. We talk on the way there, we talk while we eat, and on the way home. We are connecting, and that’s good for us.

Do put parental controls on both your TV’s and Computers. Not just for your kids, but for yourselves. We try to limit how much time the TV is on at our house. For the most part (except for sports), my hubby and I watch shows together. We don’t watch anything that we would be embarrassed to watch with our kids.

Now here is the tough suggestion, we meet with a lot of resistance on this, but trust me this will be good for you both: REMOVE THE TV AND COMPUTER FROM YOUR BEDROOM!

Your bedroom should be your sanctuary. So sanctify it! A television/computer in your bedroom is an intimacy killer. If you need to have sound in your room, get a stereo and play romantic music. Our bedroom has two purposes. One is for sleep, and the other is none of your business!

By protecting your marriage investment, you will also protect your children. Keep technology in its place. And don’t eat too much chocolate cake!