03 July 2012

Darling Goes Adult ~ MIT Research on Porn+Tech

Our MIT Media Lab colleague Kate Darling (visiting from ETHZ) studies intellectual property and economics, including especially intangibles and what are sometimes called "soft assets". Since no media sector exposes more in this regard than adult, Kate has become deeply engaged in the porn industry, observing its dynamics up-close. She shares some penetrating insights in this recent interview with Jon Tribb of LadieZ Night, Kate Darling on Tech in the Adult Industry...
"The adult industry is notoriously innovative, and it’s going through the same technological disruption as other entertainment industries in the Internet age. [...] When I looked for research on the subject, I couldn’t find very much, so I decided to do it myself. [...] Adult entertainment has always been in tremendous demand. Also, many new media formats have increased privacy and convenience, which is something that consumers value highly. Another reason may be that the adult industry has never really had the option of fighting technological change. [...] As with previous technological disruptions, the companies that figure out ways to use this new architecture to their advantage rather than spend all of their resources trying to stop it are more likely to win in the end. [...] once the current dust settles, I think we will be left with some highly professional, smart, competitive players, and I think that they have a good shot at surviving, and even thriving."
Finally, Darling answers the obligatory question about sexbots...
"I’m fascinated with all of the directions that social robotics is taking and truly hope we manage to develop sophisticated sex robots"
Be sure to read the full, uncut interview;-)

1 comment:

Frognosis said...

There is not only a growing acceptance of 'sexbots' but interestingly men taking on a male escort job has risen. I believe this has happened for two reasons:
1. The general acceptance and growth of interest from women looking for such services. This has become far more popular with busy working women and is driving demand.
2. Men looking for new ways to make additional income.