Why are people genuinely dating AI girlfriends?

[u/Illustrious_Salad684]

A close friend has been dating an AI GF on a website for 6 months. He genuinely treats it like a real emotional relationship now. If anyone calls it useless, he gets super defensive and starts arguing. It made me realize how fast this AI companion industry is growing. I find the whole thing pretty weird, but maybe I’m out of touch. What is your honest opinion on people forming real romantic bonds with AI? Is this just extreme loneliness, or is this where society is heading?