Question

What are the dangers of anthropomorphism?

Answer 1

Creating bias in observations.

Explanation:

Analogies can sometimes be useful, but the danger - particularly with anthropomorphism - is that we can easily miss the reality.

When we attribute human characteristics to other things we may be unaware of just HOW MUCH of the background of our understanding goes with it! A simple assumption of one (possibly true, or at least harmless) characteristic can make other associations and characteristics accepted as well, even if they would not necessarily be identified otherwise.

Even people are better understood "as is" without the corresponding egocentric assumption of characteristics. Generally, analogies should be used with care, and only AFTER sufficient basic facts and relationships have been observed.