> What then is the difference between a permanent long-distance relationship and an AI companion?

A long distance relationship between two humans would include discussion about the facts of both relationship participants' distinct life experiences and challenges unexperienced by the other, a necessity for two-way empathy, perpetual conflicts[1] with no obvious solution, compromises, risk of being irreparably harmed by one another, long-term personal growth on the part of both participants, etc. There is a stark contrast between human relationships vs. the relationship of a user with an algorithm crafted to serve.

[1]: https://www.gottman.com/blog/managing-conflict-solvable-vs-p...