Category: Eric

Editing Saturation levels as God’s presence is rejected

Thanks to the rise of popular smart phone apps like Tinder, Hinge, and Friendsy, online dating has become more and more common over the last few years. Of course, there is still a stigma associated with these apps, a slight sense of shame in the presumption that one couldn’t just go out and meet someone in the real world. However, in the post-human era, this stigma will dissolve, as online dating will reveal itself as a much more efficient way of finding the ideal mate, through advanced search engines and match-making algorithms. Further still, technology is developing to the point where entire sexual relationships can theoretically be maintained without ever meeting, replaced instead by a combination of customizable bots, remote controlled pleasure giving devices called teledildonics, and virtual sex simulators using Haptic technology. For now, those with a preference for this sort of relationship are stigmatized as being “Internet-Sexual”, but perhaps we are not far off from a point where growing old with a synthetically-built significant other will not be uncommon.

Thesis:

Thanks to the rise of popular smart phone apps like Tinder, Hinge, and Friendsy, online dating has become more and more common over the last few years. Of course, there is still a stigma associated with these apps, a slight sense of shame in the presumption that one couldn’t just go out and meet someone in the real world. However, in the post-human era, this stigma will dissolve, as online dating will reveal itself as a much more efficient way of finding the ideal mate, through advanced search engines and match-making algorithms. Further still, technology is developing to the point where entire sexual relationships can theoretically be maintained without ever meeting, whether through customizable bots, remote controlled pleasure giving devices called teledildonics, or virtual sex simulators using Haptic technology. With these new, highly-accommodating and personalized options of sexuality will no doubt come its detractors, as well as a new subgroup of humans who have a strong preference for this type of activity- the Internet-Sexuals.

Research:

For my research I read several articles about the rise of online dating and where it may be heading. The article that most shocked me was called “Predicting the future of online dating” by Emma McGowan. She covers a very wide range of specific topics in the subject, but what I found most jarring and relateable to the idea of post-humanism was her claim that we are already raising a generation of “Internet-Sexuals”. This quote in particular struck me:

“Some of us—and I bet the number is higher than you’d think—have already had sexual relationships that existed solely online, without meeting our partners in person.”

This made me wonder: how far can these Internet-based relationships actually go? Through the use of teledildonics, which she mentions later, how much would the Internet-Sexuals really be missing from the human experience? Is it possible that being Internet-Sexual could be beneficial in some ways, such as eliminating STDs? Is it possible to have a full, loving relationship without ever coming into real, human contact? Is any of this even our place to judge, or will the Internet-Sexuals grow into a vocal minority (or majority) that demands the same rights and respect as everyone else?

http://kernelmag.dailydot.com/issue-sections/features-issue-sections/11623/future-online-dating-facebook/

http://kernelmag.dailydot.com/issue-sections/features-issue-sections/10463/remote-sex-toys-ohmibod/

http://kinkandcode.com/haptic-technology-and-romance/

The Stone Cold Canyon Crusher is inspired by various aspects of monster trucks, RVs, and off-roading quads. These are large, powerful vehicles with extra-large wheels that offer both stability and comfort while cruising over the rocky, rugged terrain of the Southwestern United States of America. I figured that this would make the ideal recreational vehicle for retired professional wrestler and actor, “The Texas Rattlesnake”, Stone Cold Steve Austin. A bonafide roughneck with little regard for authority in his heyday, Austin now enjoys spending time on his ranch in Texas with his wife, while maintaining a lifelong affinity for beer. The Canyon Crusher was designed in order to allow Austin to enjoy the finer points of retirement. Now, he’ll be able to enjoy the wild, isolated scenery of the Southwest with a cold beer in his hand, all in the company of his wife.

The exterior of my vehicle will combine elements of monster trucks, ATVs, and dune buggies. The interior of the vehicle will ideally resemble a man cave that Stone Cold himself would be proud of. It will keep the hot, desert air out, while keeping the passengers cool and refreshed as they enjoy the scenic canyons.