Researchers from Concordia University in Canada have discovered an unexpected way to combat toxicity on the internet. A study published in the Journal of Consumer Research According to, posting photos and videos of cute animals creates a special “digital emotional contact” that softens the atmosphere on social networks.
Cute Animals and Digital Emotional Contact
Observations show that images of kittens, puppies and other cute animals evoke a feeling of compassion in users, displacing aggression and negativity. Scientists have even coined a special term: digital pebble (by analogy with penguins giving each other pebbles as a sign of affection). In the digital sphere, this manifests itself through the exchange of animal-related memes, the use of thematic tags and titles.
Digital Pebbles: The New Way to Build Love and Connection
As the authors of the study note, such content is initially distributed in narrow circles, but often becomes viral, losing its original context but retaining its emotional value. Interestingly, ads made on behalf of pet accounts are perceived by users as more friendly than traditional blog posts.
The Educational Role of Pets
An additional benefit of this type of content is its educational impact. For example, an experiment conducted in Philippine schools showed that students learned biology material better when learning was accompanied by pet memes. These findings confirm that cute images can not only improve the online atmosphere but also be beneficial in other areas of life.
Memes and Learning: An Unexpected Combination
The potential of pet-themed memes in education lies in their ability to make learning more engaging and memorable. This approach can be especially useful for students who have difficulty understanding abstract concepts. When combined with visual stimuli and emotional responses, information is more easily assimilated and recorded in long-term memory.
A Happier and Healthier Environment on Social Media
In conclusion, it is clear that photos and videos of cute animals play an effective role in reducing aggression and creating a positive atmosphere on social media. This “digital pebble” effect can make online interactions more constructive and enjoyable by creating an emotional connection between users. Future research may contribute to a deeper understanding of this effect and turning social media into a healthier environment.
