Depends on the what you are trying to get out of a podcast. Most of the podcasts I listen to are because I want to learn something new in an entertaining format. I'm not listening to develop parasocial relationships with the hosts, so removing that element could be a good thing for me.
Of course if you listen to podcasts because you like the parasocial aspect or the celebrity interviews, then yeah... Not really a point.
I don't know that "parasocial relationships" are the primary reason people like having real hosts. I have a huge list of things I've managed to change in my life because I heard some other real person talking about how they were possible. Listening to these people over time and realizing there's nothing about them that's so special that it makes things possible for them that aren't possible for me gets me off my butt to set about the hard work of making the changes I didn't otherwise realize were possible.
> I don't know that "parasocial relationships" are the primary reason people like having real hosts
But it is likely one of the main. Me telling you that something is possible doesn't necessarily mean that it is real but you chose to believe it. Whether the source is human is not necessarily relevant. After all humans can and do lie all the time
You called a long term user a bot in the most rude way imaginable. Not only are you bad at spotting bots, but you’re rude about it for no reason. Good for you - you must feel very accomplished.
Of course if you listen to podcasts because you like the parasocial aspect or the celebrity interviews, then yeah... Not really a point.