[kfprt]

You're right, research could show that it's an unmitigated benefit and I would have to reevaluate my position. I cannot however live in the world of hypotheticals. My present understanding is based on existing information available.

Philosophically I am wary of the coercive power of money in relationships. The economy is misunderstood enough, I can't imagine the situation is better when it comes to intimacy markets. Can I coin the phrase Psychological economics?

I see parasocial relationships as something like a new virus that the human psyche has no immunity towards. People naturally think in emotional rather than transactional terms.

[LurkingPenguin]

It's not hypothetical that prostitution is often called the world's oldest profession for a reason. Power dynamics that can seem unfair and might be abused exist in human relationships, like it or not, and have since time immemorial. Don't even look at the animal kingdom. It's not prettier.

Also, the relationship between an escort and a client is absolutely not a "parasocial relationship." You're abusing that term. Escorts and their clients have real relationships, even if you have a problem with the fact that they're based on transactional intimacy.