In Russia, people often treat cars as more than metal and machinery. They name them, talk to them, and even imagine a personality behind the steering wheel. A car can feel almost alive to the owner, a trusted iron companion that shares daily journeys and small adventures. This blend of tenderness and playful imagination turns transportation into a personal story, where the vehicle becomes a character in everyday life rather than a mere tool.
Yevgeny Fomin, a psychiatrist and psychotherapist, offers a thoughtful perspective on this quirk. He notes that naming technical devices can both create a comfortable atmosphere for the user and reveal a touch of infantilism in the behavior. The act of personifying a car, a phone, or other gadgets often marks a strong emotional bond with the tool, a bond that can shape how a person experiences reliability, control, and even companionship in their routine activities.
According to Fomin, when someone gives a car a name, they may begin to see the vehicle as a friend who understands them. The relationship feels reciprocal if the car functions smoothly, and the driver experiences a sense of happiness when the machine seems to respond positively—an impression of affection exchanged between human and machine. Yet there is a fine line. When a car breaks down or behaves unpredictably, attachment can quickly turn to disappointment or a sense of personal loss, as if a trusted friend has let them down. In this light, extended personification of inanimate objects can become problematic, blurring the boundary between human needs and the behavior of a nonliving object.
Such dynamics highlight how people seek comfort in everyday routines. A familiar vehicle can offer stability in a world filled with uncertainties; naming it becomes a small ritual that reinforces trust. But it’s also worth noticing that the bond is not a guarantee of harmony. Real-world wear, fault, or mechanical issues remind owners that even cherished machines have limits. The emotional investment, while harmless in many cases, may also mask a tendency to rely too much on tools for emotional support or self-expression. Reflecting on this helps individuals maintain healthy boundaries between affection for objects and genuine human connection.
Vote – win Lada!
Listeners are invited to participate in the Behind the Wheel Grand Prix voting to help identify the top new car introductions of the year. The poll invites readers to cast their votes and share feedback on which models stand out in terms of design, performance, and overall appeal. The process is engaging for enthusiasts who enjoy comparing fresh releases and considering how new vehicles meet practical needs with a touch of innovation.
Participants in the survey are thanked with a small gesture: a chance to win one of several ferrets. The drawing is open to everyone who completes the questionnaire by a designated deadline, with adventures and surprises awaiting the lucky winners. This lighthearted incentive adds a sense of camaraderie and anticipation to the experience of evaluating upcoming cars.
COMPLETE THE 2023 DRIVING GRAND PRIX QUESTIONNAIRE
The initiative is described as a community activity that invites all interested readers to share their opinions on the latest automotive novelties. By participating, people contribute to a broader conversation about what makes a new car compelling, whether through technology, comfort, handling, or style. The process fosters a sense of belonging among readers who follow automotive trends and enjoy the collaborative aspect of voting and discussion. The event emphasizes engaging enthusiasts and creating a shared space for impressions, comparisons, and predictions about the future of driving.
The discussion surrounding car naming, emotional bonds with machines, and the enthusiasm for new models reflects a broader curiosity about how technology influences daily life. It highlights how people adapt to ever-changing transportation options and how brands respond to the evolving expectations of drivers who seek not just utility but also connection with the machines they rely on. This blend of psychology, culture, and consumer interest continues to shape conversations about mobility, identity, and the role of objects in personal narratives.