Unraveling anthropomorphism in IT/IS research: A literature review, conceptual framework, and research directions

Anthropomorphism—defined as the attribution of humanlike characteristics such as identity, verbal and nonverbal behaviors, and other traits to nonhuman agents—plays a pivotal role in alleviating psychological discomfort in human-computer interactions. Although prior research in information systems (IS) has examined anthropomorphism, its development and application within IS and information technology (IT) contexts remain fragmented and underexplored. This study addresses the lack of a cohesive understanding of anthropomorphism in IT/IS environments, where systems are designed, deployed, and used. Drawing on the stimulus–organism–response (S-O-R) framework, we systematically review 195 studies published in leading IS journals, synthesizing existing insights and identifying key gaps. Our findings deepen the theoretical understanding of anthropomorphism in IT/IS and offer actionable guidance for designing humanlike features in digital systems. We conclude by presenting a comprehensive research agenda that outlines critical directions for advancing both theoretical and practical discourse on anthropomorphism in the IT/IS domain.