What's Happening?
Justin Gregg's new book, 'Human-ish: How Anthropomorphism Makes Us Smart, Weird and Delusional,' examines the human tendency to attribute human-like characteristics to animals and objects. Gregg, a dolphin
cognition researcher, discusses how this behavior affects our relationships with pets, often treating them as substitute children, and how it influences our perceptions of technology and marketing. The book highlights the consequences of anthropomorphism, such as health issues in inbred pets and misconceptions about animal behavior, like the portrayal of sharks as threats due to the film 'Jaws.'
Why It's Important?
Understanding anthropomorphism is crucial as it shapes our interactions with animals and technology. This behavior can lead to ethical concerns, such as the welfare of pets bred for specific traits that cause health problems. It also affects consumer behavior, as people may be more susceptible to marketing tactics that humanize products. In the tech industry, projecting human-like qualities onto AI can lead to misunderstandings about its capabilities and limitations. Gregg's book encourages readers to critically assess these tendencies and their implications for society.
