>>44178886Now this is a fascinating point that I actually completely agree with. Generally the traits/habits associated with seeking out a relationship can be seen as positive (working out/being healthy/having hobbies/being social/earning money/improving appearance etc), but the relationship itself is questionable as for positive/negative. There can be cases of genuinely fulfilling and productive relationships, but nowadays that is probably the exception rather than the norm. For most people, "relationships" are more often shallow hookups or codependent trauma dumps that rarely end well. To that end, odds are against actually finding something positive, and most dates/hookups end up being a negative waste of time/money/effort (or get stuck in unhappy marriage/divorce), but at least the path to being dateable is generally positive.
For the most part, my stance is very much anti-relationship, and you can just pay a pro (whether 2d GFE, or 3d hooker) for an artificial and one-sided 'relationship' to get your needs met. The problem is mainly around those who are still stuck pining for a GF and whale on their oshi while that money could be used for something more productive (and in the worst case, coke and hookers vacation binge will generally make most people happier than hearing a simple "thank you" from your oshi on an akasupa). I guess I have the view that you shouldn't be dropping supas unless you're a really bored retired millionaire (and even then....you really want to wageslave for a day just to send a supa? At least send a maro or pay a camgirl to get a 'better deal' for your payment....)
>>44178907Well, exceptions always exist and I'm sure there are perfectly healthy people who enjoy GFE as a simple passtime....but the odds of people like that being on /vt/ arguing about parasocial relationships isn't great. Fat ugly NEET incel is the most common assumption that people make in these threads, and at least for a fair portion of anons, it will likely be true (especially those who are triggered by the assumption). Those who are doing well in life won't be offended by it (and it can be fun to LARP as a shut-in Hikki NEET incel for the sake of this argument). Yes, I know gymbros and well off finance/compsci guys making upwards of 250k a year who are into anime...but am I really going to assume that that's the general audience on /vt/?
If that is actually you, I'd love to hear more about what brings you to these parts and what the appeal of GFE is to someone who can be socially functional. Personally, I'm all aboard the transactional relationship train since its easier to pay than to actually put emotional effort into actually dealing with people. GFE streamers and ASMR is just the easier/cost efficient/convenient method to get a "close enough" experience if you can't be bothered to go rent an actual escort/massage therapist.
