sourizing

Sourizing is a term that describes the act of attributing human-like qualities, emotions, or behaviors to inanimate objects or animals. This phenomenon is often observed in children as they develop their understanding of the world and form attachments to toys or pets. For example, a child might talk to their stuffed animal as if it were a real person, assigning it a personality and engaging in conversations. Similarly, adults can also engage in sourizing, particularly with their pets, which are often treated as members of the family and are spoken to and interacted with in ways that mimic human communication. This can involve giving them names, celebrating their birthdays, or interpreting their actions as expressions of human emotions.

The concept of sourizing is closely related to anthropomorphism, which is the attribution of human characteristics or behavior to a god, animal, or object. While anthropomorphism can be a broader term encompassing any human-like traits, sourizing specifically focuses on the emotional and social aspects of this attribution. It highlights the tendency for humans to project their own internal states and social behaviors onto non-human entities, often as a way to make them more relatable or understandable. This process can facilitate social bonding and emotional connection, whether it's a child's bond with a toy or an adult's bond with a pet. It's a natural aspect of human cognition and social interaction.