This isn't entirely correct though. You definitely shouldn't creep people out or make them uncomfortable. Assuming no bad intent, it's still an issue to know that by saying something you could unintentionally make someone feel bad.

That's not to say that no one should ever say anything to an stranger, it's just to point out that there are non-zero consequences to your actions.

I think that depending on who you talk to they'll give more or less consequence to making someone feel uncomfortable. (I'm not strictly talking about dating or talking to someone you are possibly romantically interested in). Some specific extreme examples are: at work or if you are in a position of power over someone (you are their boss or their teacher)- or these situations there are more consequences to having an interaction where someone felt uncomfortable.

Yes, those are cherry-picked relationships, but just to say that fear of making people uncomfortable is a real and valid concern. Is your discomfort made up in your head? Many times it is.

Back to OP, relationships are complicated... it's not hard to see why people end up talking to AI bots instead.