Anthropomorphism and the study of animal emotions

Humanity has a long-standing tendency to attribute human characteristics, intentions, and emotions to non-human entities, including animals, inanimate objects, and abstract concepts. This psychological phenomenon, known as anthropomorphism, serves an evolutionary purpose by helping humans make sense of the unknown. Historically, this was expressed through polytheistic religions and mythology, such as the Greek pantheon, and continues today in literature and modern technology, including human-computer interaction with AI assistants.

Parallel to the study of human projection, scientific research is increasingly exploring the emotional complexity of animals. Studies indicate that many species exhibit behaviors linked to complex emotional states, such as joy, fear, and empathy. For instance, rats produce high-frequency vocalizations during play that function similarly to human laughter, while primates like chimpanzees and gorillas use specific vocalizations and facial expressions during play to signal friendly, non-threatening interactions.