Attributes conducive to anthropomorphism in artificial intelligence

Abstract

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly large language models (LLMs), has generated both enthusiasm and concern regarding its role in society. While these systems demonstrate impressive technical capabilities, public acceptance is often hindered by perceptions of unpredictability, mistrust, and fears amplified by media narratives. One potential strategy to improve user acceptance is anthropomorphism, the attribution of human-like qualities to AI systems which can make interactions feel more natural and trustworthy. This paper investigates the attributes most conducive to anthropomorphism by conducting a structured review across psychology, human-robot interaction, communication studies, and business applications. The analysis identifies key traits such as emotional expressiveness, conversational coherence, adaptive social behavior, and role-based framing that enhance perceptions of AI as relatable and dependable. By synthesizing these insights, we propose a conceptual framework that highlights the psychological, social, and technical dimensions of anthropomorphism in AI. The findings provide guidance for designing AI systems that balance efficiency with user trust, thereby supporting more effective integration of AI into business, research, and everyday life.