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Why We Talk To Cats and Make Everything "Humanish" episode art

The Non-Obvious Show · Episode 79

Why We Talk To Cats and Make Everything "Humanish"

with Justin Gregg

Episode 79 · May 26, 2026 · 30 min

In This Episode

Explore the fascinating world of anthropomorphism, its impact on human behavior, AI, marketing, and the future of human-like technology with dolphin cognition researcher Justin Gregg.

Key Takeaways

  • Anthropomorphism and its role in human behavior
  • The influence of language and AI on human relationships
  • The ethical and psychological implications of human-like technology

What We Cover

  • 00:00The Power of Anthropomorphism
  • 02:04Understanding Dolphin Cognition
  • 04:56The Nature of Anthropomorphism
  • 07:50Cultural Perspectives on Anthropomorphism
  • 10:30AI and Human-Like Relationships
  • 11:48The Future of AI Interactions
  • 14:19Marketing and Anthropomorphism
  • 19:12Cuteness and Emotional Responses
  • 21:48Futurism and AI Evolution
  • 23:46The Uncanny Valley
  • 26:02Reflections on the Future

About The Guest

Justin Gregg Animal cognition researcher; author of Humanish

Justin Gregg is a science writer and animal cognition researcher, and the author of Humanish and If Nietzsche Were a Narwhal. He writes about animal intelligence, dolphin communication and what human thinking looks like when compared with other species.

justingregg.com ↗

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