Review of Artificial Intimacy

Raluca_Mihaila · Post by **Raluca_Mihaila** » 11 Nov 2021, 14:25

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Artificial Intimacy" by Rob Brooks.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Rob Brooks starts an open discussion about sex and intimacy and how technology impacts these areas of our lives. The subject becomes even more relevant during these strange, pandemic times. The author details three artificial intelligence zones: digital lover, matchmaker, and virtual friend. He believes technology can be a threat, but it also can help humans. For instance, online matchmakers can help you find a partner and save you time and energy. However, the data collected by the programs could also serve other hidden purposes, such as political campaigns.

As a behavioral scientist, the author debates how and why the concept of monogamy became predominant in our society. Rob Brooks analyses various sexual customs, from Ancient Rome to Himba or Dogon people. “The cost of sex” is a significant notion that can influence a country’s economy or politics. Further, the book talks about the power of social media; it can enhance our egotistical behavior. It can also steal our precious time that could be used to improve our empathy and cultivate relationships by actually talking to real people. As a result, we should focus more on the quality of our interactions, not their number. After all, who is pushing the buttons: the users or the machines?

Artificial Intimacy is highly educative about many aspects related to nature or anthropology. For instance, did you know that chimpanzees trade sex for food? I also discovered some fascinating information about the domestication of animals. The cutest and the most nonviolent puppies were encouraged to survive, which influenced the evolution of the entire race. Plus, I was amazed to discover that species with bigger brains have more friends.

The book abounds in quotes from famous other specialists like the historian Yuval Noah Harari, the anthropologist Robin Dunbar, or the philosopher Immanuel Kant, just to name a few. The author also introduces interesting concepts; you may not be familiar with the young male syndrome, the anthropomorphization of machines, or the objectification of humans.

I also loved the objective yet friendly writing style. For instance, the VR erotica industry is presented scientifically but with a touch of humor. The famous “dollbots” mentioned by the author will make you snicker and raise your eyebrows in surprise. The metaphors are also very expressive. Sex robots cannot replace human bonding because it would be like “chewing gum substitutes for chewing food.” The writer also compares the creation of the sex dolls with the natural phenomena known as “super-normal stimulus.” You may have heard of the cuckoos that lay their eggs in the nest of other birds, ensuring their survival at the expense of the initial hatchlings.

I didn’t have any complaints regarding the book; the author did an admirable job. Furthermore, I appreciated the excellent editing since I couldn’t find any errors. As a result, Artificial Intimacy by Rob Brooks gets 4 out of 4 stars. I recommend this exceptional book to people interested in anthropology or psychology. People passionate about technology could also be interested in a new perspective. If you enjoyed Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari, you would relish this book. However, stay away if you are bothered by the sex talk.

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Artificial Intimacy
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Astral Magi · Post by **Astral Magi** » 16 Nov 2021, 04:37

This sounds like an interesting read that is also educational. Thanks for a great review.

Ellylion · Post by **Ellylion** » 16 Nov 2021, 04:45

Are you kidding me - chimpanzees trade sex for food?!

Wow! I would take this book into consideration, I love this genre, and I believe it's really educational not to say sensational (in a very good way)

Thank you very much for this amazing and detailed review!

Fareed Regal · Post by **Fareed Regal** » 16 Nov 2021, 07:59

Having been involved with technology my whole career, I am very interested in getting some new perspectives. Thank you for a very insightful review.

Raluca_Mihaila · Post by **Raluca_Mihaila** » 16 Nov 2021, 10:00

Niens Now wrote: ↑16 Nov 2021, 04:37 This sounds like an interesting read that is also educational. Thanks for a great review.

Indeed it is! Thank you for commenting!

Raluca_Mihaila · Post by **Raluca_Mihaila** » 16 Nov 2021, 10:03

Ellylion wrote: ↑16 Nov 2021, 04:45 Are you kidding me - chimpanzees trade sex for food?! Wow! I would take this book into consideration, I love this genre, and I believe it's really educational not to say sensational (in a very good way) Thank you very much for this amazing and detailed review!

You have captured the essence of the book!

Thank you, I appreciate your visit!

Raluca_Mihaila · Post by **Raluca_Mihaila** » 16 Nov 2021, 10:21

Fareed Regal wrote: ↑16 Nov 2021, 07:59 Having been involved with technology my whole career, I am very interested in getting some new perspectives. Thank you for a very insightful review.

I am very curious to find out your opinion! Thanks for stopping by.

19blueofficial · Post by **19blueofficial** » 16 Nov 2021, 10:40

This is a very unique type of book. I have never stumbled on any book on the subject "Artificial Intimacy." Nice job @Raluca_Mihalia for the wonderful review.

Raluca_Mihaila · Post by **Raluca_Mihaila** » 16 Nov 2021, 12:34

19blueofficial wrote: ↑16 Nov 2021, 10:40 This is a very unique type of book. I have never stumbled on any book on the subject "Artificial Intimacy." Nice job @Raluca_Mihalia for the wonderful review.

I hope you will enjoy every piece of information! Thank you for your comment!

Review Writer · Post by **Review Writer** » 16 Nov 2021, 16:00

I always love reading about science and new technologies. With this, I'm sure I'll learn the technology trendings. Thanks for sharing this review.

Raluca_Mihaila · Post by **Raluca_Mihaila** » 17 Nov 2021, 04:14

GideonWrites Review wrote: ↑16 Nov 2021, 16:00 I always love reading about science and new technologies. With this, I'm sure I'll learn the technology trendings. Thanks for sharing this review.

I found out amazing information about the technology today, so I am sure you will discover something new. Happy reading!

zainherb · Post by **zainherb** » 17 Nov 2021, 05:50

This sounds like an informative and interesting book .
I might check it out.
Thanks for the lovely review.

17 Nov 2021, 06:07

Sounds like an educational piece! I also didn't know that animals also trade sex for other things. Absolutely interesting!

Raluca_Mihaila · Post by **Raluca_Mihaila** » 17 Nov 2021, 06:47

zainherb wrote: ↑17 Nov 2021, 05:50 This sounds like an informative and interesting book .
I might check it out.
Thanks for the lovely review.

Glad to hear that! Thanks for your visit

Raluca_Mihaila · Post by **Raluca_Mihaila** » 17 Nov 2021, 06:47

Nqobile771 wrote: ↑17 Nov 2021, 06:07 Sounds like an educational piece! I also didn't know that animals also trade sex for other things. Absolutely interesting!

They have a casual approach

. Thank you for reading and commenting!