Bluetooth Orgasms

Authors

  • Marilia Kaisar UC Santa Cruz

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7146/mediekultur.v37i71.125253

Keywords:

affect, virtual, Bluetooth sex toys, sexuality, body

Abstract

Bluetooth-operated sex toys penetrate and are penetrated by the human body, leaving code behind. This article analyzes the relationships that develop between bodies and Bluetooth-operated interactive sex toys. Resembling the pods and portals of David Cronenberg’s film eXistenZ, interactive sex toys allow us to consider how technologies relate intimately to the sexual body. I use Massumi’s work on virtuality and affect theory as a starting point from which to frame embodiment, virtuality, and the circulation of affects. Further, I consider the importance of embodiment and the translations of intensities and vibrations through digital coding among the open sexual body, the technology of the sexual machine, and the applications that foster those connections, in the context of Bluetooth-operated sex toys. This article advocates the need to consider intimate encounters between interactive sex toys and bodies as complex technological and biological assemblages, where vibrating machines and the human body’s flesh come into intimate connection through datafication.

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Published

2021-12-22 — Updated on 2022-01-03

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How to Cite

Kaisar, M. (2022). Bluetooth Orgasms. MedieKultur: Journal of Media and Communication Research, 37(71), 143–160. https://doi.org/10.7146/mediekultur.v37i71.125253 (Original work published December 22, 2021)

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Articles: Theme section