Certainly, a virtual pet is not the same as a living, breathing being - but please consider that a plastic plant also is not an outlet for any of our nurturing energy.

Plastic plants and virtual pets are meaningfully different in this regard, and virtual pets are always virtual and don't surprise you by being fake. The first time you see a virtual pet, you know that's what it is.

I really appreciate your thoughtful commentary and question, Paul. I hope that virtual companions will provide real value to people - but perhaps it will all just amount to fake plastic trees in the end.