More updates: This bullshit study that we've been following for 9 months got cited on the freakonomics podcast. Jump to 23min.
https://freakonomics.com/podcast/can-a-i-companions-replace-human-connection/
Good news, though. Our Matters Arising is through peer review and currently awaiting publication:
https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/pkt6e
Also worth noting that without my coauthor's UVM affiliation, there's no way I'd be shelling out 4 figures to respond in the journal.