Smile. It's good for you.
New research out of Indiana University suggests that watching cat videos can boost
one's emotions and energy levels.
The study, by assistant professor Jessica Gall Myrick, surveyed almost 7,000 people about their viewing of cat videos and how it affects their moods. It was published in the latest issue of Computers in Human Behavior. Lil Bub's owner, Mike Bridavsky, who lives in Bloomington, helped distribute the survey via social media.
"Some people may think watching online cat videos isn't a serious enough topic for academic research, but the fact is that it's one of the most popular uses of the Internet today," Myrick said. "If we want to better understand the effects the Internet may have on us as individuals and on society, then researchers can't ignore Internet cats anymore.
Yes. Nothing better than being able to tell your boss you are practicing healthful life habits when they bust you watching felines making playing instruments. Here are some of the study's findings:
- They were more energetic and felt more positive after watching cat-related online media than before.
- They had fewer negative emotions, such as anxiety, annoyance and sadness, after watching cat-related online media than before.
- They often view Internet cats at work or during studying.
- The pleasure they got from watching cat videos outweighed any guilt they felt about procrastinating.
- Cat owners and people with certain personality traits, such as agreeableness and shyness, were more likely to watch cat videos.
- About 25 percent of the cat videos they watched were ones they sought out; the rest were ones they happened upon.
- They were familiar with many so-called "celebrity cats," such as Nala Cat and Henri, Le Chat Noir.
Some classic cat videos below the fold.
The first video is my personal favorite cat video and I refuse to hear otherwise.
Busted:
Mesmerizing:
If you own a cat you understand this one:
Silly:
Art House: