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Notes -
They kind of are, but in my mind they're different in that "AI girlfriend" is something like a personalized customizable assistant, Replika-style (usually complete with these cringe-inducing 3d models), and "fictional waifus" is the chub approach focused on RP with many different "characters". Crucially, with the former it seems more natural to act as yourself, a thought at which I honestly shudder; with the latter you're not limited to the sack of meat you inhabit and can freely act as anyone you want and indulge in the dumbest chuunibyou shit (which the AI will eagerly play along with), which for me is the main draw of chatbots in general.
It's like actual (E)RPing but without having to interact with other people, which considering the cringe potential inherent in the activity can only be an upside.
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