Feel Me

[LelaK]

[I got the title for this thread from the Who song: See me, feel me.]

If the technology were available, would anyone like to feel me via virtual reality tech? I would certainly like to be able to feel many of you that way (and your SO's). I think people (like me) would like to have the sensation of (practically) touching boobs, hands and maybe faces and hair that way.

Although I have selfish reasons for thinking about that, I realized that such technology would also likely be very beneficial for many people. Many or most people are somewhat starved for affection and the sense of touch gives the feeling of affection maybe better than anything.

Many people are shy and have a hard time meeting people. That includes young people. I was certainly that way. With this touch tech they could meet people anonymously online and feel each other. They could even do it roleplaying the opposite sex, if they want. Old people are often starved for affection too and they (we?) would likely benefit a lot from this tech. It was found that having pets helps older people, but this tech might help more. Old people could touch each other online, but caregivers could also touch tech them. Masseuses could too. One person could touch any number of other people this way. Remember the old telephone ads: "Reach out and touch someone"? This would be REALLY touching someone.

I know this sounds weird or even sad to many, but I believe the technology is coming, whether we like it or not. It's just like CDs and TGs; we're coming out whether society likes it or not, and I think that's a good thing too.

If you think about it, I think you can see that a lot of good can come from touch tech. It might even help prevent a lot of crime, like date rape or average rape, as well as depression, suicide and mental illness.

Are there any inventors in the house? If so, I'd like to hear from any. Let's invent this.

[Shari]

I like the way you think.
As soon as I have my transporter perfected, I'll get to work on the "touch" pads.

[Beverley Sims]

Another original thread and one to spur some thought.
Oh! well I will have to get my touchee feely pad going. :)
On a more serious note something for blind people to experience.
Good thought Lela.

[Tina B.]

Well when it get here I hope it has an off switch.

[linda allen]

In my younger days, I had friends who would ingest substances that would let them do exactly as you describe - experience things that weren't actually happening. :eek:

Unfortunately, they are no longer with us. :sad:

[Karren H]

I prefer the real thing if I want to feel something or get felt..........

[nvlady]

I know what I feel like. You don't know what I feel like. I'd like to keep it that way.

[suzy1]

Haven’t you already covered this in a resent thread Lela?
Or was I just dreaming it.:straightface:

[Jana]

@Lela: no thanks! I only get touchy feely with my wife.

@ Suzy1: if you were dreaming, I had the same dream. I swear I've seen a similar thread here not too long ago.

[Beverley Sims]

In my younger days, I had friends who would ingest substances that would let them do exactly as you describe - experience things that weren't actually happening. :eek:

Unfortunately, they are no longer with us. :sad:

There is a lesson to be learned here too.

[angpai30]

No, I would like to keep things in the real world. I don't like the virtual aspect of anything really and in total I have had to much of it already... Blech, online dating for starters, Lol!!

Angela

[EllieOPKS]

I think your thoughts has merit. My family has always been accustomed to hugs and kisses with people they meet. All of my friends find out real quick that this is part of who I am. Hugs for all, kisses on the the cheeks for the girls. There seems to an energy in an embrace. Boy, I sure hope I never get small pox!

[sonna]

i dont really like that idea! i just dont i perfer real over fake anyday!!!!

[LelaK]

Well, my idea wasn't to force anything on anyone or require that everyone be connected by touch tech.

I did write a similar thread over a week ago, I think, but at that time I wasn't thinking about actually trying to invent such technology. Now I am and I know there have to be a few people around here who'd be interested in being involved in such an invention.

If anyone knows any prospective CD or TG inventors, please pass the word.

I wouldn't expect those who get plenty of affection to have much interest in touch tech, but I'm sure there are plenty of people who get way too little.

I don't see how it's fair to compare touch tech to dangerous hallucinatory drugs, when touch tech would surely reduce danger, rather than increase it. I think it compares better to dreaming, fantasy, reading (or watching) fiction and romance novels (or porn) and conventional virtual reality tech, which I think are also very safe.

[AllyCDTV]

What you described already exists to some degree. It is called haptic technology. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haptic_technology It has actually been in development now for quite some time but still has a long way to go.

I have done some amount of Web camming which is about as close to virtual sex as it gets right now. While I consider it a nice alternative, in my mind it is no replacement for actual physical contact. Like any new technology of this type, it may be great for a change of pace or when there is no other alternative, there are drawbacks. It can certainly cause further isolation and inhibit people from developing the social skills needed to perform in real life.

Now back to your original question, if it did exist, yeah, I'd definitely give it a try. :)

[LelaK]

Thanks for the link, Ally.

I've seen robotic tech that mimics a person's movements, esp. hand and arm movements, but I haven't yet heard of anything along the lines that I mentioned - relaying a realistic sense of touch online, like VR, but more holistic.

Now I'll check out your link and see if I find anything more advanced than what I've already heard of.

Okay, this seems to be close to what I was thinking of:

Researchers from the University of Tokyo have developed 3D holograms that can be "touched" through haptic feedback using "acoustic radiation" to create a pressure sensation on a user's hands (see future section).
The holograms wouldn't be relevant, but the acoustic pressure sensations may well be.

Further along it says:

The clothing retail industry could gain from haptic technology by allowing users to "feel" the texture of clothes for sale on the internet.[25]
Seems like they're kind of skirting the main issue: feeling each other online sensually and stuff like that.

[docrobbysherry]

I'm not ready for this, Lela! If the technology WAS available, Sherry would most likely become a very successful on line hooker overnite!

[Laura28]

I must be old school i perfer the real thing over anything cyber.

[linda allen]

Stewie Griffin (the TV show "Family Guy") has already invented a virtual reality machine. ;)

LelaK,

I'm sorry if my taking this subject lightly (Stewie Griffin, drugs, etc.) offends you, but as I read your post again, it seems like you would use this as a substitute for personal interaction with real people.

For example, the part about "touching boobs". Isn't it better to cultivate a relationship with someone that might eventually result in "touching boobs" and doing it in a caring and loving way? If your answer is no, you know in most cities you can find a female who will let you touch her boobs (and other places) for a fee.

My advice - Get out and meet real people. Have real relationships. Touch real boobs.

[LelaK]

[I got the title for this thread from the song: See me, feel me.]

If it were just my selfish reasons for thinking about touch tech, I wouldn't have bothered to bring it up. It's only because I realized that such tech could likely do much good for society that I decided to discuss it here. I thought someone may know someone who likes to invent and that I might get in touch with such a person to discuss this idea with.

You people who have succeeded in finding healthy relationships with others don't seem to be able to put yourselves in the shoes of those who have not succeeded or those who have lost loved ones and no longer have anyone. There are even some, like bubble boy, who must live in isolation because physical contact would threaten their lives. Is anyone able to imagine that touch tech could do actual good? You old geezers.