The way we document and discuss companion dolls in media is a clear indicator of their journey from the cultural fringe toward the mainstream. For decades, the primary lens was that of tabloid curiosity, designed for shock and ridicule.
In the past, any story about a man and his doll was framed as a “freak show.” Headlines focused on the bizarre, painting owners as pathetic recluses who were unable to function in normal society. The goal was not understanding, but sensationalism. In the early 2000s, this began to shift with the rise of documentary filmmaking. While still often highlighting the quirky aspects of the community, films started to introduce empathy, exploring the profound loneliness and past traumas that led individuals to seek out artificial companionship. This was the first time the “why” was treated as a serious question. Now, we are entering a new phase: academic study. Sociologists, ethicists, and psychologists are publishing papers on the topic, exploring its implications for the future of relationships, AI ethics, and post-humanism. This academic legitimacy marks the final stage of the journey, proving that the phenomenon is no longer just a curiosity, but a significant social and technological trend worthy of serious intellectual inquiry.