yes it is

It is not.

It's in the dictionary [1], labeled as "non-standard".

That doesn't mean it's not a word. Most people would be able to easily infer its meaning. I don't understand the objection.

Perhaps file this under: English is a living language, words come and go all the time.

[1] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conversate

Because it is either laziness, ignorance or AI slop.

I wouldn't agree that using an understandable word that's in the merriam-webster dictionary is being ignorant or lazy. Nor would I call something AI slop because of a single word, without otherwise engaging with the content.

I do genuinely wonder why some people can be so derailed by odd or unfamiliar words and grammar. Are they stressed? Not wanting to engage with a conversation? Trying to assert status or intellectual superiority? Being aggressive and domineering to assuage their self-worth? Perhaps they feel threatened by cultural change? I assume it has something to do with emotional regulation, given that I can't recall bumping into too many mature people who do such things.

Might you have any insight to offer?