> and the reply was along the lines of "me because I like seeing thieves get what's coming to them".

I really wish a subject matter expert would pitch in to tell us what this is about?

like a totally made up thing that is fake, somehow gives a sense of justice and satisfaction?

is it something about imagining it happening in reality, or what?

for me, if I see that something is AI, it's like I just feel nothing. because there's nothing in it, it has nothing of real value? like it doesn't evoke anything in me, it doesn't make me think "this was a great find!" or make me want to send a link over to my friends, etc.

This is the whole Dhar Mann genre, which is so cringe, but it definitely tickles something in us.

Do you ever feel a sense of satisfaction watching a movie? I'm thinking of scenarios like when the bad guy is finally defeated or the hero achieves their goal.