On Not Raising a Cyborg-Sexual
Raising a son in an online world
Today, we’re proud to announce our newest Featured Author: Stephanie H. Murray.
Stephanie H. Murray is public policy researcher turned freelance journalist and contributing writer for The Atlantic. She analyzes the latest research on family policy at her Substack: Family Stuff.
Stephanie’s interests include the economics of childrearing, family policy, fertility, technology and parenting, and the place of children in the public realm. Here’s what she has to say about Fairer Disputations:
In a world where the internet so frequently shapes unrealistic sexual desires, Stephanie reflects on raising a son who will be able to love a real woman.
On Not Raising a Cyborg-Sexual
Stephanie H. Murray
It seems everyone is a little worried about the boys these days, and not without reason. The challenges of raising boys in the modern era abound. But the one I find myself most daunted by is one I never anticipated. It sounds almost silly to articulate: How, in the age of the internet, can I raise a son who feels attracted to and enjoys having sex with women? Real women, that is—the sort of living and breathing women that he’ll encounter in everyday life and have a real shot of dating and marrying—rather than an imaginary composite of the digital renderings of women he’ll encounter online.
In short, my goal is not to raise a cyborgsexual. And I’m not sure I’m up to the task.
This Week in Sex-Realist Feminism: Sanitizing "Sex Work," the Gender Vibe Shift, and the #MeToo Legacy
This week: Josephine Bartosch on Anora and sanitizing "sex work," Valerie Stivers on the gender vibe shift and its discontents, and Magdalene J. Taylor on #MeToo's mixed legacy. Plus: sexual harassment policies in brothels, male violence and female suicides, gender bending mobster mash, a Fairer Disputations live discussion—and more!
A Fairer Disputations Discussion (You’re Invited!)
Join us for a live Zoom discussion of the gender wars, feminism, 4B, and Flowers of Fire: The Inside Story of South Korea's Feminist Movement and What It Means for Women' s Rights Worldwide, with Featured Authors Leah Libresco Sargeant, Patrick Brown, Eliza Mondegreen, Spencer Klavan, Rachel Lu, Nadya Williams, and Editor Serena Sigillito.
Even if you didn’t read along with our book club, you’ll get a lot out of this discussion! (But if you want to catch up, book club posts are here!)
Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM EST/11:00 AM MST time
Location: Zoom (Link will be provided via email before the session)
From the Archive:
What’s the deal with Are We Dating the Same Guy Facebook groups? Abigail Wise on whether a new “traditionalism” can ever coexist with online dating.
Dating Needs Real-Life Social Networks
Abigail Wise
“A significant cultural shift appears to be on the horizon for dating, as women eschew dating apps and hookup culture in favor of romantic interactions that center basic respect and courtesy.”