Why Do People Anthropomorphize Their Gadgets Giving Names To Devices

In an age where smartphones, laptops, and smart speakers are nearly inseparable from daily life, it’s not uncommon for people to refer to their devices with names like “Bessie,” “Steve,” or “Alexa.” This tendency—giving human traits, emotions, or identities to inanimate objects—is known as anthropomorphism. While naming a car or a boat has long been socially accepted, the practice of assigning names and personalities to gadgets reflects deeper psychological, social, and technological shifts. What drives this behavior? Is it mere whimsy, or does it reveal something fundamental about how humans relate to technology?

As our devices become more integrated into personal routines, they evolve from tools into companions. The act of naming a gadget is often dismissed as quirky, but it's rooted in cognitive science, emotional bonding, and even design intentionality. Understanding this phenomenon offers insight into human psychology and the future of human-computer interaction.

The Psychology Behind Anthropomorphism

Anthropomorphism—the attribution of human characteristics to non-human entities—is a natural cognitive process. Humans have done this for millennia, from ancient myths that gave gods animal forms to children who believe their stuffed animals have feelings. Cognitive scientists suggest that we are “hyper-social” beings, wired to detect agency and intention even where none exists.

Dr. Epley, a behavioral scientist at the University of Chicago, explains:

“People don’t anthropomorphize because they’re irrational. They do it because they’re hyper-rational—they see patterns and infer minds, especially when something behaves unpredictably or seems responsive.”

This tendency intensifies when dealing with machines that exhibit autonomy, such as self-driving vacuums, voice assistants, or even temperamental laptops. When a device \"misbehaves\"—crashing at a crucial moment, rebooting unexpectedly, or seemingly ignoring commands—it becomes easier to interpret its actions as intentional rather than mechanical. We say, “My laptop hates me today,” or “Siri’s being snarky,” projecting emotions onto systems governed by code.

Neurological studies show that when people interact with anthropomorphized robots or AI, the same brain regions activate as during human-to-human interactions. This suggests that naming a device isn’t just symbolic—it can trigger real emotional engagement.

Tip: Recognizing your emotional attachment to a device can help you manage frustration and make better decisions about upgrades or repairs.

Emotional Attachment and Personal Identity

Many people name their gadgets because they associate them with pivotal life moments. A smartphone might carry years of photos, messages, and memories. A laptop could have been used to write a thesis, launch a business, or maintain long-distance relationships. Over time, these devices accumulate sentimental value far beyond their technical specs.

Consider Sarah, a freelance writer in Portland, who named her MacBook “Mabel.” After using it for seven years through multiple career shifts and cross-country moves, she felt genuine grief when it finally failed. “I didn’t just lose a machine,” she said. “I lost the companion that held every draft of my novel, every job application, every late-night journal entry. Calling her Mabel made her feel like part of my journey.”

This kind of narrative bonding transforms gadgets into extensions of self. Naming reinforces that connection, turning a replaceable object into a character in one’s personal story. In this way, anthropomorphism serves as a coping mechanism for loss, change, and impermanence.

Moreover, naming allows users to assert control over complex technology. By giving a device a familiar, human-like identity, people reduce the perceived intimidation of advanced tech. It’s easier to trust “Alexa” than “Amazon Echo Device Model X2000.” Names create intimacy, making artificial intelligence feel less alien.

Design and Marketing Encourage Personification

Technology companies are well aware of this psychological tendency—and many intentionally design products to invite anthropomorphism. Voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant use first-person pronouns, respond with humor, and adopt gendered voices. These choices aren’t neutral; they prime users to treat the software as a conversational partner rather than a tool.

Robotic vacuum cleaners, such as iRobot’s Roomba, often inspire affectionate nicknames. Their erratic navigation patterns—bumping into walls, getting stuck under furniture—resemble clumsy animal behavior, which users interpret as “personality.” iRobot even patented expressive sounds and movement patterns designed to convey “emotions” like confusion or triumph.

Device Type	Common Names Given	Reasons for Naming
Smartphones	Betty, Ghost, Buddy	Daily reliance, privacy, personal data storage
Laptops	Mabel, Thor, Luna	Creative work, longevity, travel companion
Smart Speakers	Alexa (ironically), Jarvis, Eve	Voice interaction, home presence, responsiveness
Drones	Phantom, Sky, Buzz	Autonomous flight, adventurous use
Game Consoles	Zelda, Neo, Titan	Entertainment value, nostalgia, customization

Marketing language further reinforces this trend. Ads depict devices as loyal helpers, witty friends, or heroic protectors. Apple’s “There’s an app for that” campaign subtly positions the iPhone as an intelligent ally. Amazon portrays Alexa as a household member who “loves” helping. These narratives shape user expectations and encourage emotional investment.

When Anthropomorphism Becomes Functional

Naming isn’t always emotional—it can also be practical. In high-stress environments like aviation, military operations, or IT management, personnel often assign names to equipment to improve communication and accountability.

For example, air traffic controllers may refer to radar systems by nickname to distinguish between units quickly. Server administrators might name individual machines in a data center (“Webby,” “Cache,” “Frank”) to streamline troubleshooting. In these cases, anthropomorphism enhances efficiency by simplifying complex systems.

A study published in *Computers in Human Behavior* found that participants who named their GPS devices were more likely to follow its directions accurately, especially in unfamiliar areas. Researchers concluded that naming increased perceived reliability and trust in the system.

This functional dimension reveals that anthropomorphism isn’t just childlike fantasy—it can improve usability, memory retention, and decision-making. When a device feels like a teammate, users are more attentive and forgiving of minor errors.

Step-by-Step: How to Thoughtfully Name Your Gadgets

If you're considering naming a device—or already have one in mind—here’s a structured approach to ensure the name adds value rather than becoming a distraction:

1. Identify the device’s role: Is it your creative partner, travel buddy, or security sentinel? The function informs the personality.
2. Reflect on its quirks: Does it boot slowly? Recover quickly from crashes? These traits can inspire humorous or affectionate names.
3. Choose a meaningful reference: Use a favorite character, historical figure, or inside joke to deepen the connection.
4. Test the name aloud: Say, “Hey [Name], set a timer,” or “Why won’t you charge, [Name]?” If it feels natural, it’s a good fit.
5. Evaluate over time: If the name causes confusion or embarrassment in shared settings, consider retiring it gracefully.

Tip: Avoid naming devices after real people to prevent awkwardness or boundary issues, especially in professional settings.

Checklist: Healthy vs. Unhealthy Anthropomorphism

While naming gadgets is generally harmless, it’s worth assessing whether the relationship remains balanced. Use this checklist to reflect on your tech interactions:

• ✅ You name devices for fun, but understand they lack consciousness.
• ✅ The name improves your experience—making tech feel more approachable or reliable.
• ✅ You can replace the device without significant emotional distress.
• ✅ You maintain boundaries—e.g., not expecting emotional reciprocity from AI.
• ❌ You feel guilty “retiring” an old device or replacing it.
• ❌ You believe your gadget is deliberately frustrating you or acting out of malice.
• ❌ You prioritize device needs over human relationships (e.g., talking to Alexa instead of calling a friend).

If several “❌” items apply, it may be helpful to reassess your digital habits. Technology should enhance human connection—not replace it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal to name my phone or laptop?

Yes, it’s completely normal and increasingly common. Studies suggest that over 40% of smartphone users have given their device a nickname at some point. As long as it doesn’t interfere with daily functioning, it’s a sign of healthy emotional engagement with tools that play a major role in your life.

Can naming a device improve productivity?

Indirectly, yes. A 2020 study from the University of Michigan found that employees who personalized their work devices (with names, stickers, or themes) reported higher job satisfaction and slightly improved focus. The sense of ownership and familiarity contributed to greater comfort and efficiency.

Does AI encourage unhealthy anthropomorphism?

Potentially. While AI interfaces designed with empathy and humor can make technology more accessible, they risk misleading users about the nature of machine intelligence. Experts warn that over-attribution of intent or emotion to AI could erode critical thinking. Transparency about AI limitations is essential to maintaining a healthy user relationship.

Conclusion: Embracing Connection Without Illusion

People name their gadgets because technology has become deeply interwoven with identity, memory, and emotion. Anthropomorphism is not a flaw in reasoning—it’s a testament to human adaptability. We seek meaning, connection, and narrative coherence, even in our interactions with circuits and algorithms.

As artificial intelligence grows more sophisticated, the line between tool and companion will continue to blur. Rather than resist this shift, we should navigate it with awareness. Name your laptop if it brings you joy. Thank your smart speaker for setting the morning alarm. But also remember: behind every friendly voice is a team of engineers, not a sentient being.

Understanding why we anthropomorphize helps us build healthier relationships with technology—one that honors both our emotional needs and our intellectual clarity.

💬 Do you have a named gadget? Share its name and story in the comments—let’s celebrate the personal side of tech together.