Anthropomorphism and Object Attachment

Abstract

Anthropomorphism refers to seeing non-human objects as humans. Recent research suggests that anthropomorphizing objects could influence people’s psychological and emotional bond with the objects. Anthropomorphism imbues non-human objects with human-like characteristics, alters people’s relationship with the objects, and shift people’s emotional and cognitive responses towards the objects. Based on the role played by the primary caregivers in shaping children’s attachment to them, this article offers a resource-based analysis on how anthropomorphism provides resources to address people’s needs in three domains: a sense of comfort and pleasantness, self-identity (i.e. individual self, relational self, collective self), and self-efficacy. We conclude with a discussion of anthropomorphism and object attachment as well as future research opportunities.