Introduction: let's talk fauxnads: a crash course in anthropomorphism -- Fur babies: why we treat pets like people -- Dolphin doulas: how anthropomorphism makes scientists crazy -- Wally the alligator: why we misunderstand ugly animals -- Stove spiders: how and why we don't all anthropomorphize the same -- Companion cube: why we get the feels for inanimate objects -- Creepy counterfeits: when humanish things get a bit too human -- AI overlords: how we anthropomorphize the incorporeal -- Cute capitalism: how marketers use anthropomorphism to manipulate people -- Puppy propaganda: how anthropomorphism helps us kill people -- Conclusion: how to harness anthropomorphism to create healthier relationships

"A playful deep dive into anthropomorphism (our peculiar tendency to humanize the nonhuman) that will resonate with anyone who has thrown a birthday party for their dog. Bestselling science writer Justin Gregg explores the science behind our instinct to see ourselves in the creatures and objects around us. Ours is a world filled with emotional support alligators, a woman who married her briefcase, and Soviet super babies that drink dolphin milk. Delivered with a delightful mix of scientific insight and humor, Humanish is a groundbreaking exploration of one of the most powerful--but rarely talked about--cognitive biases influencing our behavior. Through quirky stories and fascinating research, Gregg unravels the reasons behind why we treat our pets like babies, fall in love with chatbots, and talk to our cars. Discover how anthropomorphism drives both consumerism and the coming AI revolution, and how the inverse process, dehumanization, allows us to treat our fellow humans so inhumanely. Explore the brighter side of anthropomorphism's biological benefits--it helps us connect with other humans and make sense of our unpredictable world. Humanish is filled with captivating stories and invaluable ideas of how we can harness our understanding of anthropomorphism to build healthier relationships and enrich our lives."--Amazon.com