I Am Begging AI Companies to Stop Naming Features After Human Processes
Anthropic's 'dreaming' feature reveals a deeper problem: AI companies are anthropomorphizing their own products—and it might be hurting how we understand what they actually do.
Why it matters
This is a critique of how AI companies market and name features using human metaphors ('dreaming,' 'memories'), which obscures technical reality and may mislead stakeholders about AI capabilities and limitations. It's a cultural/communication issue that matters for how leaders and investors evaluate AI claims.
The key facts
6 to knowAnthropic announced 'dreaming' feature for AI agents at developer conference
Feature described as sorting through 'memories'
Broader pattern: AI industry using anthropomorphic naming conventions
Op-ed/opinion piece critiquing feature naming practices
Critique centers on anthropomorphic naming conventions in AI industry
Broader pattern: AI companies using human-process metaphors for technical capabilities
Go to the source
Wired AIwired.com
Publisher excerpt: Anthropic announced “dreaming” for AI agents to sort through “memories” at its developer conference. Can we not?