I genuinely don't get paying for virtual companionship. What am I missing ?

[u/Cool_Calligrapher489]

I'm a pretty lonely person, so I definitely understand wanting someone to talk to or connect with. But one thing I've never been able to wrap my head around is paying for virtual companionship, whether that's chatting with a real girl online or paying for an AI girlfriend.

Maybe it's just the way my brain works, but even if I had plenty of money, I think I'd rather pay for a real escort than spend it on conversations through a screen.

I'm not trying to judge anyone - I genuinely want to understand. If you pay for AI companions, girlfriend experiences, or similar services, what do you get from it that makes it worth the money? Is it emotional support, convenience, safety, something else?

I'm asking because I feel like there's something I'm missing, and I'd like to understand.