Table 1
Categories of Personification Metaphors Used to Describe GenAI.
| METAPHOR CATEGORY | METAPHORS/EXPRESSIONS | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | “Ingests data,” “hallucinates,” “family of models” | These metaphors attribute to GenAI physiological or organic traits, framing it as a living or sentient entity capable of perception or kinship. |
| Reasoning | “Thinks,” “reasons,” “makes reasoning errors” | These metaphors suggest GenAI engages in mental processes, positioning it as capable of human-like thought, logic, and judgment. |
| Leadership | “Coach,” “advisor,” “Socratic opponent,” “partner in learning” | These metaphors assign GenAI relational authority or pedagogical roles, portraying it as a guide, mentor, or intellectual peer in educational contexts. |