so here’s the thing:

if playing these sorts of games makes you sad and lonely, that’s a problem.

but if you are already sad and lonely, and playing these sorts of games makes you feel less so, that’s a good thing.

people that say things like what you said seriously underestimate how many people in the world have trouble forming (healthy) relationships, regardless of the games the play.

the internet and computers could disappear and those people still wouldn’t be better off; they’d just have fewer options.

and that sort of thing affects lots of different kinds of people: those suffering from mental disorders like depression, autism, various trauma, other conditions that make forming relationships difficult. those with physical handicaps, having similar issues about finding partners. and more.

I’m lucky enough to be able to have largely normal relationships (when i want to, when I’m in good enough a place to give it an honest go), but when i was in the deepest pits of depression that just wasn’t an option. and i still craved some of that…so various kinds of smut filled that need quite well, temporarily.

not a great solution long term, but it is definitely a net positive for a LOT of people!