THE FUTURE OF INTIMACY

What does it feel like to explore the topic of sex virtually? We embark on a journey into the metaverse, and discover why virtual reality might just be the tool to normalise conversations on sex.

- CHERYL LAI-LIM

I am about to walk into a sexual wellness pop-up centre.  

But while I might typically hustle my way into such spaces at breakneck speed to avoid the curious stares of passersby – Singapore, after all, is still a relatively conservative society – today, I’m strolling in. 

See, I’m going to enter a first-of-its-kind sexual wellness space in the metaverse. The virtual centre is launched by the world’s largest sexual wellness company Lovehoney Group, which offers award-winning adult product brands such as Womanizer and We-Vibe.

The metaverse space by Lovehoney was hosted on Decentraland, a virtual reality browser-based platform powered by the Ethereum blockchain. The centre spans four floors with educational videos, an NFT art gallery, as well as a dance floor.

Before I cross into the pop-up space, I’m prompted to key in my date of birth – one must be 18 or older to enter. I’m greeted at the entrance by Betty the Bee, Lovehoney’s robot security avatar. Betty explains that if anyone makes me feel uncomfortable in the space, I have the option to report their inappropriate behaviour and block them. Pressing the “E” key will also move the person away to another random area of the space. 

Instructions duly received, I enter the dome-like virtual space. The ground floor is a store featuring a number of the group’s best-selling sex toy products and lingerie on display. Clicking on any of the items will lead you directly to the brand’s website to purchase the product.