If you are one of those people who talk to their cats or dogs, find out how this action affects your brain capacity.

Many people talk to their pets as if they were a human living with them. They tell them about their day, their problems and also their joys. However, many believe that this behavior is typical of people who are on the verge of insanity.

Yet a recent study found that people who talk to their pets have a unique quality among other people.

What is anthropomorphism?

Anthropomorphism is the tendency to associate the real or imagined behavior of non-human agents with characteristics, motivations, human-like intentions or emotions. According to experts, people tend to anthropomorphize the things they love.

Similarly, psychology agrees that the more a person loves someone or the closer they are to them, the more likely they are to engage their mind. This closeness also extends to non-humans.

Research in anthropomorphism

When children name toys and talk to inanimate objects, adults find it cute as it shows their desire for companionship and identity building. After puberty, those who still talk to their favorite toys or name their household appliances are seen as immature. But that is not necessarily the case.

There is no difference between talking to inanimate objects and pets. Nicholas Epley, one of the researchers behind the studies of anthropomorphism, analyzed a study carried out by the radio program “Car Talk”, which revealed that a large number of people talk to their cars, and stated that these objects seemed to have a spirit, beliefs, desires and even a unique personality.

Epley argues that discerning another person’s mind involves the same psychological processes as recognizing a spirit in other animals, a god or even a gadget. This reflects greater brain capacity rather than a sign of stupidity.

Thus, anthropomorphism associated with higher intelligence is related to social intelligence. That is, the ability to relate to others with empathy and honesty.

If you want to read more articles like this, we recommend you check out our Animals category.