Almost People

Lonely People Perceive Products and Pets as More Human

Researchers at the University of Chicago and at Harvard University recently published a series of studies demonstrating that people who are chronically lonely (or are made to feel lonely) are particularly likely to perceive consumer products and pets as especially humanlike. The researchers highlight how their studies indicate that anthropomorphisation of nonhuman objects and nonhuman animals can serve to meet lonely people’s need for social connection.

Reference:
Epley, N., Akalis, S., Waytz, A., & Cacioppo, J. T. (2008). Creating social connection through inferential reproduction: Loneliness and perceived agency in gadgets, gods, and greyhounds. Psychological Science, 19, 114-120

Full-text article available at first author’s website