I just realized something within the last few days…

When I began my research, I explored my survey results for responses that indicated participants’ clear-cut recognition of anthropomorphic form. In other words, I hoped their definitions of smileys would include their (admittedly crude) resemblance to human faces.

However, upon further reflection, I may have held too strict a notion of anthropomorphism when I incorporated that concept into my study. Anthropomorphic form refers to the visual nature of something, but anthropomorphism refers to the general, often subconscious process of attributing the qualities of people to living beings that are not people (including animals) and inanimate objects.

Some participants referred to emotions in their definitions of smileys. While this doesn’t necessarily refer to anthropomorphic form, it does refer to anthropomorphism in general.

My next, likely last research journal update will likely address survey results, etc.