It feels like a more evolved version of those who have what they consider to be relationships with anime characters or virtual idols in Japan. Often treating a doll or lifesize pillow replica of that character as someone the person can interact and spend time with. Obviously like the AI, the fact it is so common does suggest that it must be filling a unmet need in the person and I guess the key focus needs to be how do we help those stuck in that situation to become unstuck and how do we help those feel that unmet need is fulfilled?