[superusermind]

Using the word "relationship" is a bit manipulative IMO. If it is a relationship, it's a conditional one-sided one.

[corobo]

It's one of those "it's almost technically correct" things to say. It's not necessarily a lie, but it is a parasocial relationship[1] rather than a normal one

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parasocial_interaction

[Adirael]

I don't think it's manipulative, it does feel like a relationship, even if it is one-sided. The feeling is different from watching a TV show, it feels more personal, more real.