anthropomorphism

Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human traits, emotions, or intentions to non-human entities, including animals, objects, or abstract concepts. It ranges from simple likening of features to more complex assignments of motives or consciousness. In literature and art, anthropomorphism often takes the form of personification, where inanimate or non-human characters behave and speak like humans, as in fables, fairy tales, and cartoon characters. In science, the term is used to describe the tendency to interpret animal behavior or natural phenomena through human-centered concepts, which can lead to bias in observation and interpretation. Researchers distinguish between anthropomorphic attributions and scientifically verifiable cognition in animals; some use controlled methods to minimize bias, while others deliberately anthropomorphize to facilitate communication with human audiences.

Historically, many cultures personified deities and natural forces as humanlike figures. In modern media, anthropomorphism is ubiquitous in animation, marketing, and cultural products, from talking pets in films to animated household objects. In design and technology, engineers apply anthropomorphic cues to improve usability and emotional engagement, a practice known as anthropomorphic design; conversely, excessive anthropomorphism can contribute to the uncanny valley in robotics and AI interfaces.

Ethical and methodological discussions center on the accuracy of attributions, the potential to misrepresent animal welfare or cognitive abilities, and the responsibilities of creators to not mislead audiences about the nature of non-human agents.