Virtual pets are for us people who like to look on the light whimsical side of life.
They are also for the easily ammused.
They have a certain cuteness!
They are for people who don't take themselves too seriously.
They are for people who like to try for different results and tinker a bit with their toys. Afterall, you never know what you're going to get.
They are for every age group and every financial background.
They are for people who just like to have a little fun.
When they came out in 1997, I thought they were stupid. (why would any one want a fake pet?)
It was at the end of the fad in late '98 that I bought my first three ( 3 for $10 at Toys R Us)
It was THEN that I understood why people liked them so much. Since then, I can not stop buying them.