This rule prevents writers from attributing human characteristics, emotions, or cognitive abilities to technical components like computers, software, and hardware. The motivation behind this rule is to maintain clear, precise technical writing by avoiding anthropomorphism - the attribution of human traits to non-human entities. When we anthropomorphize technology, it can create confusion about how systems actually work and make technical documentation less accurate and professional.
Examples
Will flag:
- "The database remembers your settings" ❌
- Better: "The database stores your settings" ✅
- "The software thinks you're offline" ❌
- Better: "The software detects no connection" ✅
- "The computer refuses to start" ❌
- Better: "The computer fails to start" ✅
- "The interface tells you when to proceed" ❌
- Better: "The interface displays a proceed message" ✅
- "The command assumes default values" ❌
- Better: "The command uses default values" ✅
The rule looks for combinations of technical terms (like "computer", "software", "database", etc.) followed by human-like action verbs (like "thinks", "wants", "remembers", etc.) and flags them as warnings.
