A closer look
Parasocial relationships have officially bypassed the need for human biology. In the late 2010s, Japanese startup Gatebox created AI-driven holographic tubes that allow users to cohabitate with virtual idols like Hatsune Miku. Taking the illusion to its terrifying logical extreme, the company even issued thousands of official "cross-dimension" marriage certificates to owners, complete with corporate recognition and employee stipends for those who successfully tie the knot with their favorite synthesized vocaloid.
