Anthropomorphism
We attribute human characteristics and emotions to non-human entities.
Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human traits, emotions, or intentions to non-human entities. It is considered to be an innate tendency of human psychology. People name their cars, talk to pets as if they understand complex speech, attribute intentions to weather systems, and assign personalities to corporate brands. While sometimes harmless, it distorts judgments about machine behavior and animal welfare.
What it looks like in the wild.
- Everyday life Angry Computer A user blames their computer for 'being slow on purpose' when it freezes before an important deadline, attributing intentionality to a non-conscious machine.
Recognising a definition is not the same skill as spotting it.
Two scenarios from the app, with distractors drawn from the same family of biases — which is what makes them hard.
Maria felt deeply betrayed when her favorite coffee chain changed its loyalty program, saying the company had 'broken its promise' to her.
After her laptop crashed for the third time that week, Sarah yelled at it, 'You're doing this on purpose to ruin my presentation!'
Biases rarely arrive alone.
Understand more. Assume less.
188 biases, 18,869 scenarios, and a record of how you actually decide.
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