The Usage of Voice in Sexualized Interactions with Technologies and Sexual Health Communication: An Overview

Abstract

Purpose of Review: The present overview addresses the importance of voice in human-technology interactions within the sexual realm. It introduces empirical evidence within two key domains: (a) sexualized interactions involving artificial entities and (b) communication about sexuality-related health. Moreover, the review underscores existing research gaps. Recent Findings: Theories and first empirical studies underline the importance of voice within sexualized interactions with voice assistants or conversational agents as social cues. However, research on voice usage in sexual health-related contexts reveals contradicting results, mainly because these technologies ask users to vocalize potentially sensitive topics. Summary: Although the utilization of voice in technology is steadily advancing, the question of whether voice serves as the optimal medium for social interactions involving sexually related artificial entities and sexual health-related communication remains unanswered. This uncertainty stems from the fact that certain information must be conveyed verbally, which could also be communicated through alternative means, such as text-based interactions.