Psychology Today · 22 Sep, 13:28 · Artificial Intelligence briefing

They don't think, feel, or know anything either. Let's stop saying they do.

Recent commentary in Psychology Today challenges the anthropomorphic language frequently applied to artificial intelligence systems.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

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Recent commentary in Psychology Today challenges the anthropomorphic language frequently applied to artificial intelligence systems. The article argues that attributing human cognitive states, such as thinking, feeling, or knowing, to AI is scientifically inaccurate and potentially misleading. Instead, it advocates for precise terminology that reflects the computational nature of these tools. This shift aims to correct public misunderstanding regarding machine capabilities, ensuring professionals recognise AI as sophisticated software rather than sentient entities. The piece urges a linguistic correction to maintain clarity in technical and business discussions, preventing the overestimation of AI’s autonomy or emotional capacity in professional environments.

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Your move

What this means
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You must adapt your communication strategy immediately. As organisations abandon anthropomorphic AI terminology, clarity and technical precision become critical differentiators. Roles requiring nuanced understanding of AI limitations, such as AI Strategy and Compliance, will see increased demand. You should audit your internal documentation to remove misleading human attributes from AI descriptions. Focus on developing skills that highlight human-AI collaboration boundaries, ensuring you can articulate exactly what algorithms do versus what they simulate. Professionals who can navigate this semantic shift will lead governance and ethical implementation efforts. Start by refining your technical vocabulary and advocating for accurate AI descriptions in your workplace to demonstrate strategic foresight and operational maturity.

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