First it started with the artificially intelligent assistant Siri.
then, once everybody knew what artificial intelligence was,
everyone became obsessed with it. Cleverbot, Siri, etc
then that stupid Spike Jones movie came out, and now everyone is obsessed with the concept of having an emotional relationship with their smartphone. They have personal girlfriend apps in the Google Play Store now that have a little avatar chick, that talks to you using an AI program.
then tonight, the new episode of The Boondocks,
Robert buys an iPhone 5, falls in love with Siri, and the ***** develops a conscious, hack his facebook, takes over his life and blackmails him into marrying her. Lol