Do Robots Have Feelings Or Not??

 "Be Careful What You Wish For" by Sherry Turkle, suggests that robots do not have feelings, but human's have feelings for robots. How can this be?

Many think of robots as metal, or heavy machinery, but really robots can be something as small as the Furby pets that were invented some time ago. Furby doesn't show emotions, but a human definitely shows Furby love and devotion. Furby is indeed a robot that most love or that most don't even realize is a robot. Many purchase these creatures as toys for their children, but don't realize how many children would rather use Furby as a companion. Although, is this a good way for a child to build companionship? Is a robot something that human should build companionship with? All of these questions are asked because Furby doesn't even feel emotions, Furby is a robot that is controlled by batteries and nothing more.

Another purchase that many people make is a robotic dog. Robotic dogs are nothing more than what they are called as well as Furby, they are robots. These creatures do not feel emotions either, but humans sure do love to have a pet that can be turned off by battery and just put in the closet, or that they would never have to take out on walks again, but where is the love and companionship in that? A real dog would not only show love but it would be able to feel love as well. Not only that, but human's can see a real dogs love, for instance that wagging of the tail when a dog sees it's owner, or the love in the dogs eyes. Robotic dogs are just like Furby, they are not what human's need in life, they are nothing more than a companionship that isn't real.

Sherry Turkle also talks in her article about how a woman was talking to one of the robotic seals, and human's did nothing at all they just stood and watched her. How could a robotic toy take the place of a human? If mankind is not careful robots will begin to take their place and then their won't be much use for humans to have companionship or love with one another, instead human will just find their little robotic friends and bond with them.

In conclusion, what I am trying to say is that I do not think that a robotic toy should be invented, because children need to bond with human, not with robots. These robots aren't even showing children the love that a human can, robots haven't had the experiences that a human has to help the child. Not only just children though, an adult can even get attached to these robots and start losing interest in human, so I strongly believe that mankind does not need these robotic toys and the creators should have thought of the real reasons why these robotic toys were invented before they were invented.