How to Give an Inanimate Object Human Qualities

Giving inanimate objects human qualities is called anthropomorphism. It is common to attribute personalities and even histories to objects, such as teddy bears and blankets, when we are children. In our ever more increasingly virtual world, it becomes easier to anthropomorphize inanimate objects because they are often interactive. A computer program that responds to user inputs provides a blank canvass on which humans can paint intricate and emotional lives. Anthropomorphizing different objects can be a fun thought-experiment or writing exercise for people of any age.

Things You'll Need

  • Notebook
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pick an object you would like to anthropomorphize. The human brain finds it easiest to attribute human qualities to objects that mirror human form. Round shapes and tubular features reflect human faces and bodies.

    • 2

      Give your object a human name. According to Carnegie Mellon University's study of human-robot interaction in 2002, naming an object triggers social context cues. These cues help to dissolve cognitive barriers separating humans from inanimate things.

    • 3

      Interact with your object by manipulating it with your hands. Interaction increases the ability for the human brain to form mental models. Your brain can only focus on what the object is doing, therefore rationalizing its nonhuman form becomes more difficult.

    • 4

      Spend time with your object to nurture a feeling of possession and closeness. A familiar relationship with an object develops an emotional attachment. Humans are more likely to reduce the perception of differences between himself and the object.

    • 5

      Jot down facets of the object's new personality. If you believe the object has thoughts and feelings, the human brain is naturally wired to project motives and expectations onto the object.