Dear Barbara, I wanted to express my gratitude for sharing your invaluable experience, and I wholeheartedly appreciate your profound interest and dedication to the importance of human touch. As a neutral researcher specializing in cognitive science and technology, I hold a belief in the potential of alternative methods to fulfill the needs of certain individuals. Your case aptly demonstrates that these approaches may not universally suit everyone. I deeply respect individuals who find solace in technological solutions aimed at alleviating loneliness—a state that can be profoundly challenging given our innate human need for connection, supported by the intricacies of our limbic system (emotional part of the brain). Virtual reality, in some cases, can bridge this gap to a certain extent, offering a potential means to address this deeply human issue. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this important story which my editorial team curated to give valuable insights to those who are interested in this topic.