Will more lifelike sex robots lead to an increase in gender-based violence?

With advances in robotics and artificial intelligence, robots are increasingly taking part in our everyday lives. This includes in our relationships, with robots designed for sex becoming increasingly more human-like. But what are the implications of these more lifelike technologies? In today’s The Conversation Canada, bioethicists Judy Illes and Farhad Udwalia from the University of British Columbia consider these implications, from the undermining of consent to a potential increase in gender-based violence.

Another timely and important article looks at the importance of diversity in research. Malinda Smith of the University of Alberta and co-authors point out that time and again, evidence shows that diversity is beneficial for research. And yet programs intended to promote diversity – like the Canada Research Chair – are criticized for supposedly undermining excellence in research.

And finally, research from Jean-Baptiste Litrico of Queen’s University and Marya Besharov of Cornell University suggests that non-profits tempted by the social enterprise model do not necessarily lose sight of their social mission in favour of profits. In fact, the opposite is true.

See you back in your inbox tomorrow!

Nehal El-Hadi

Science + Technology Editor

Today's featured stories

As AI and robotics advance and produce more lifelike sex robots, there is the potential for an increase in gender-based violence. Shutterstock

Sex robots increase the potential for gender-based violence

Judy Illes, University of British Columbia; Farhad R. Udwadia, University of British Columbia

An increasing demand for sex robots is concerning, as there are ethical concerns about a possible related increase in gender-based violence.

The historic joint spacewalk of two female astronauts outside the International Space Station was thwarted because the station did not have space suits that fit both women. NASA

Diversity is indispensable to excellence: The Canada Research Chairs program

Malinda S. Smith, University of Alberta

Despite the hard evidence of the excellent benefits of gender, racial and other diversity on research teams, public criticism on the benefits of equity and diversity programs still exists.

Do social enterprises come to view profit as more important than their original mission? New research suggests they don’t, and the cause remains a key component of their success. Kat Yukawa/Unsplash

How nonprofits can use business as a force for good

Jean-Baptiste Litrico, Queen's University, Ontario; Marya Besharov, Cornell University

New research suggests that non-profits tempted by the social enterprise model do not necessarily lose sight of their social mission in favour of profits. In fact, the opposite is true.

La Conversation Canada

Le premier ministre du Canada, Justin Trudeau, le 14 mars 2018. Un examen de l'activité de Twitter après les meurtres à la mosquée de Québec révèle que des trolls russes ont travaillé pour répandre de fausses nouvelles. La Presse Canadienne/Justin Tang

Des trolls russes diffusent des fausses nouvelles sur Twitter à l’approche des élections canadiennes

Ahmed Al-Rawi, Simon Fraser University; Yasmin Jiwani, Concordia University

Un examen de l'activité de Twitter après les meurtres à la mosquée de Québec révèle que des trolls russes ont travaillé pour répandre de fausses nouvelles.

Culture + Society

Health + Medicine

  • How often should I get my teeth cleaned?

    Arosha Weerakoon, The University of Queensland

    Do you really need a dental clean every six months? Most healthy people will probably be OK if they go anually. But some people are at higher risk of cavities or gum disease, and should go more often.

Politics