# Impacts of Anthropomorphizing Large Language Models in Learning Environments

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2408.03945 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2408.03945/

## Key facts

- Cited by 3 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 3 of its 27 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 22 Jul 2024.

## Builds on (most cited first, 3 of 3)

- [A Literature Survey of Recent Advances in Chatbots](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2201.06657/) (2022)
- [Exploring ChatGPT's Empathic Abilities](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2308.03527/) (2023)
- [Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Businesses: from Research, Innovation, Market Deployment to Future Shifts in Business Models](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1905.02092/) (2019)

## Built on by (most cited first, 3 of 3)

- [The Personality Illusion: Revealing Dissociation Between Self-Reports & Behavior in LLMs](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2509.03730/) (2025)
- [SynthesizeMe! Inducing Persona-Guided Prompts for Personalized Reward Models in LLMs](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2506.05598/) (2025)
- [Generative AI in Training and Coaching: Redefining the Design Process of Learning Materials](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2508.11662/) (2025)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Large Language Models (LLMs) are increasingly being used in learning environments to support teaching-be it as learning companions or as tutors. With our contribution, we aim to discuss the implications of the anthropomorphization of LLMs in learning environments on educational theory to build a foundation for more effective learning outcomes and understand their emotional impact on learners. According to the media equation, people tend to respond to media in the same way as they would respond to another person. A study conducted by the Georgia Institute of Technology showed that chatbots can be successfully implemented in learning environments. In this study, learners in selected online courses were unable to distinguish the chatbot from a "real" teacher. As LLM-based chatbots such as OpenAI's GPT series are increasingly used in educational tools, it is important to understand how the attribution processes to LLM-based chatbots in terms of anthropomorphization affect learners' emotions.