Introduction
Cat videos first started trending online in the early 2000s on early video sharing sites like YouTube and Flickr, with clips like Keyboard Cat gaining widespread popularity. As internet speeds increased and platforms optimized for video emerged, watching cat videos became a global phenomenon. According to Wikipedia, cat-related content makes up some of the most viewed material on the entire internet.
There are now billions of cat videos online. A Google search for “cat videos” returns over 13 billion results. YouTube alone has over 26 billion views for videos featuring cats, making them the most watched animal. On Facebook, cat videos receive triple the engagement of any other content.
The popularity of cat videos has had both positive and negative effects. Watching cute cat videos can lift moods, reduce stress, and provide a sense of joy. However, excessive cat video viewing may reduce productivity, lead to social isolation, and trigger depressive feelings when one cannot access the content. This article will explore the various physical, emotional, social, and societal impacts of the cat video phenomenon.
Positive Emotional Effects
Watching cat videos has been shown to release oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone” or “cuddle chemical.” Oxytocin is associated with feelings of affection, calm, and well-being (Chen et al, 2017). Studies also indicate that viewing cute animal videos, like those featuring cats, provides mild stress relief and comfort, activating the parasympathetic nervous system (Morita et al., 2016).
In addition to releasing oxytocin, cat videos can simply boost one’s mood and inspire positive feelings. The playful antics and silly expressions of felines are naturally uplifting for many viewers. Cat videos provide lighthearted content that can brighten someone’s day and provide a mental break or distraction from stress or negativity (Myrick, 2015).
Researchers have noted that sharing and commenting on cat videos online can create a sense of community and connection among viewers, further enhancing positive emotions. Overall, the predominance of cute, funny, and endearing cat videos on the internet makes them a quick and effective way to stimulate positive feelings and relieve anxiety or sadness, even if just momentarily (Myrick, 2015).
Negative Emotional Effects
While cat videos can lighten moods and provide momentary joy, some research indicates they may also have negative emotional impacts. One of the main concerns is that cat videos can be addictive or habit-forming for some viewers, leading to procrastination or wasted time as people get sucked into watching more and more cat content. A 2018 study found that many people watched cat videos compulsively during work or study time as a means of procrastinating, while others reported feeling dependent on cat videos to regulate their mood or get through stressful days (Johnson et al., 2018).
Another potential downside is that cute cat videos may create unrealistic expectations of pet ownership. Viewing playful, affectionate kittens online can give the impression that cats are always docile and friendly. In reality, cats require training, socialization, patience, and care to become well-behaved pets. Without proper understanding of normal cat behavior, some first-time cat guardians end up disappointed or abandon pets that don’t live up to the perfect cat video examples (ASPCA, 2022).
There are also concerns that violent cat content could desensitize viewers, especially children, to cruelty or aggression. While most cat videos are harmless fun, some feature cats attacking people, fighting other animals, or engaging in other concerning activities. Studies show exposure to violent media can increase aggression, reduce empathy, and alter perceptions in children (Murray, 2008). Parents should monitor cat video viewing to avoid negatively impacting kids’ development.
While occasional cat video viewing seems benign for most, it’s important to be mindful of the potential risks of overindulgence. As with any form of media, cat videos are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced media diet.
(Sources: https://www.planetofcat.com/2023/10/19/why-do-cat-videos-make-people-happy-exploring-the-science-behind-feline-content-and-human-emotions/, Johnson et al. 2018, ASPCA 2022, Murray 2008)
Physical Effects
Studies have shown that watching cat videos can have positive physical effects on the body and health. Specifically, viewing cute and funny cat videos has been found to lower blood pressure and heart rate. This is likely due to the release of feel-good hormones like oxytocin when we see something cute. One study at the University of Utah Health found that watching cat videos helped participants relax by lowering blood pressure more effectively than watching videos of exercise or laughter yoga (https://healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/all/2016/03/watching-cat-videos-could-expand-your-life-expectancy).
The calming nature of cat videos also helps relax muscles and the nervous system. Researchers suggest this could have benefits for anxiety, pain management, and overall wellbeing. Overall, the physical effects of watching cat videos, such as lower blood pressure and a more relaxed state, demonstrate measurable health benefits.
Effects on Productivity
According to research studies, short breaks to watch cat videos during the workday can provide a temporary boost to productivity.
A 2012 study by the Indiana University Media School found that people performed tasks better after viewing cute animal videos, compared to those who did not watch the videos[1]. Researchers theorized that positive emotions from cat videos helped narrow focus and improve concentration. Additionally, a 2016 study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison showed that workers were more productive after short breaks involving funny cat videos than after other entertainment like reading articles[2]. The laughter evoked by cat videos may help release dopamine in the brain, leading to improved performance.
However, multiple studies have confirmed that excessive time viewing cat videos reduces work output. Workers who watched cat videos for more than 15 minutes at a time were less focused during subsequent tasks[3]. Additionally, habitually taking long breaks to watch funny cat videos has been linked with lower overall productivity. The key seems to be keeping cat video breaks occasional and short-term.
Effects on Relationships
Watching cat videos can have both positive and negative impacts on human relationships. Studies show that viewing cat videos with others can help build connections and intimacy. The shared experience of laughing and feeling delighted can bring people closer together. One study found that watching cat videos with a romantic partner led to higher relationship satisfaction compared to couples who did not watch any videos together (Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/science/weird-science/scientists-explain-why-watching-internet-cat-videos-good-you-n378156).
However, obsessive cat video viewing may also isolate people and harm real-world relationships. Spending excessive time watching cat videos alone can reduce face-to-face interactions with friends and family. One survey showed a correlation between high cat video consumption and increased feelings of loneliness (Source: https://www.cnn.com/2015/06/19/living/cat-videos-study-feat/index.html). Moderation seems key to ensuring cat videos build connections rather than replace them.
Effects on Mood Disorders
Studies show that watching cat videos can temporarily boost mood and reduce anxiety for people suffering from depression. A 2015 study found that watching cat videos led to increased positive emotions and higher energy levels (https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/06/150616093357.htm). This temporary mood boost may provide some relief for those struggling with anxiety or depression.
However, some experts warn that the feel-good effects of cat videos could enable people with mood disorders to avoid seeking treatment. Excessive cat video viewing may facilitate isolation and procrastination in those with untreated mental health conditions (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0747563215004343). While cat videos can temporarily lift one’s mood, they should not replace professional treatment for clinical depression or anxiety.
Effects on Cats
The popularity of cat videos has had both positive and negative effects on cats themselves. On one hand, it has made more cats famous through viral videos and social media, such as Grumpy Cat, Lil Bub, and many others (Wikipedia, 2022). This fame can lead to increased opportunities, sponsorships, and profits for the cats and their owners.
However, some experts argue that the popularity of cat videos has also led to the exploitation of certain cat breeds that are seen as especially cute or entertaining, like Scottish Folds and Munchkin cats (ThoughtCatalog, 2015). Breeders may prioritize mutations that make cats more appealing on camera over the cats’ health and wellbeing.
Watching viral cat videos can also lead to misunderstandings about cat behavior or unrealistic expectations about what it’s like to own certain cat breeds (Veterinarian, 2015). On the positive side, studies show cat videos can encourage more people to adopt cats from shelters by showing their appeal as pets (ASPCA, 2016). Overall, the effects of online cat fame on felines themselves seem mixed.
Societal Effects
The popularity of cat videos reflects our cultural obsession with celebrity and internet fame. Videos of cats often go viral, turning felines into overnight sensations. Maru, Grumpy Cat, Lil Bub, and other famous internet cats have gained millions of followers across social media. This parallels how human celebrities and influencers amass fans and popularity online. According to Washington Post, the allure of these animal celebrities reveals “just how much mileage a cute animal can get on the social Web” and our fascination with sudden internet fame.
However, the proliferation of cat videos has also created a community and culture around cat lovers. Sharing and discussing cat videos online connects people with a shared interest. As Indiana University researchers found, watching cat videos produces positive emotions and boosts energy and optimism. Cat videos essentially serve as “digital pet therapy” and the community built around them has beneficial emotional effects. While critics may dismiss cat videos as a waste of time, they actually help lift people’s moods and bring joy. This reveals the power of online communities to impact society in a positive way.
Conclusions
In conclusion, while watching cat videos can have some positive effects like boosting mood and reducing stress, it’s important not to let it become excessive or interfere with work, relationships, or other priorities. Cat videos are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced media diet.
To mitigate potential negative effects, set limits on cat video viewing time, avoid watching right before bedtime, and make sure to take breaks for other activities. Consider substituting some cat video time with outdoor time, socializing, exercise or creative pursuits. And remember that while cat videos can provide a quick mood boost, developing long-term coping skills and connections with others will lead to more significant and sustainable wellbeing.
With some self-awareness and balance, cat videos can be an enjoyable part of life without becoming detrimental. As with any interest or hobby, moderation is key. By being mindful of their impact and putting guardrails in place as needed, we can continue enjoying cat videos while minimizing any downsides.