I really think it’s people craving a non-threatening, no-stakes “intimate” relationship

Look man those life-size dolls.

I don't get em either. They look like a lot of work. They weigh 80lbs but can't walk on their own, clean themselves, and their eyeballs can fall out.

So if it's "connection" with something "human like but not" ok I guess I can see it. Probably better for the species