You won’t believe what sharing cute animal pics can do for you, according to a new study
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If you’ve ever found yourself grinning at a video of a kitten tumbling off a couch or forwarding a photo of a puppy in a bowtie to family and friends, you’re not alone—and you’re not just spreading smiles.
According to a fascinating new study from Concordia University, sharing cute animal pictures online does a lot more than brighten someone’s day. It actually strengthens our digital bonds, helping us stay connected in ways that are surprisingly profound.
Let’s face it: the internet can be a wild place, but amid the chaos, adorable animal content reigns supreme.
Whether it’s a clumsy golden retriever, a mischievous raccoon, or a baby elephant taking its first steps, these moments of pure joy are some of the most shared and cherished posts on social media. But why do we do it? And what’s really happening when we hit “share”?
The Science Behind the Cuteness
The Concordia study draws a delightful parallel between our online habits and the courtship rituals of penguins. In the icy wilds of Antarctica, penguins offer pebbles to their chosen mates—a small but meaningful gesture that says, “I care about you.”
When we share a cute animal meme or video, we’re essentially doing the same thing: offering a digital “pebble” to friends and family, signaling affection and reinforcing our relationships.
It’s not just about the animals, either. The researchers found that about half of all social media users say their main reason for logging on is to keep in touch with loved ones.
Sharing a funny dog video or a heartwarming rescue story becomes a way to say, “I’m thinking of you,” even when we’re miles apart.
How a Cat Video Becomes a Social Glue
The study breaks down the journey of a cute animal post into three stages:
1. Indexicalization: This is where it all begins. You snap a photo of your neighbor’s cat wearing a tiny hat, or you find a hilarious gif of a dancing parrot. You add a caption, a hashtag, or a personal note—something that gives the image meaning and connects it to your own life.
Also read: Want to feel happier? Science says logging off social media at the right time works
2. Re-indexicalization: Next, you share the content with your circle—maybe your family group chat, your bridge club, or your old college friends. As people react, comment, and share it back, the post takes on new emotional layers. It becomes an inside joke, a shared memory, or a symbol of your group’s unique bond.
3. Decontextualization: Finally, the content might become trending, stripped of its original context and turned into a meme that anyone can enjoy. At this stage, it’s less about your personal connection and more about spreading joy to the wider world.
Why It Matters—Especially for the Over-60 Crowd
For those who remember a time before smartphones and social media, it’s easy to dismiss these digital habits as trivial. But the truth is, sharing cute animal content is a powerful way to nurture relationships—especially when in-person visits aren’t always possible.
Whether you’re keeping up with far-flung family, reconnecting with old friends, or just brightening someone’s day, these small gestures add up.
And it’s not just about animals! The researchers suggest that the same principles apply to other types of content, like sharing recipes, funny grandkid photos, or even those “remember when” throwback posts.
It’s all about using digital tools to maintain the connections that matter most.
Did you know that engaging with uplifting content can actually boost your mood and lower stress?
Studies have shown that looking at cute animals can trigger the release of oxytocin—the “love hormone”—which helps us feel more relaxed and connected. For older adults, especially those who may feel isolated, these digital interactions can be a lifeline, offering a sense of belonging and community.
Read next: Using tech could be the brain boost older adults didn’t see coming
What’s the cutest animal photo or video you’ve ever shared? Do you have a favorite 'digital pebble' you like to send to friends or family? Have you noticed that sharing these moments brings you closer to your loved ones? We’d love to hear your stories and tips in the comments below!
According to a fascinating new study from Concordia University, sharing cute animal pictures online does a lot more than brighten someone’s day. It actually strengthens our digital bonds, helping us stay connected in ways that are surprisingly profound.
Let’s face it: the internet can be a wild place, but amid the chaos, adorable animal content reigns supreme.
Whether it’s a clumsy golden retriever, a mischievous raccoon, or a baby elephant taking its first steps, these moments of pure joy are some of the most shared and cherished posts on social media. But why do we do it? And what’s really happening when we hit “share”?
The Science Behind the Cuteness
The Concordia study draws a delightful parallel between our online habits and the courtship rituals of penguins. In the icy wilds of Antarctica, penguins offer pebbles to their chosen mates—a small but meaningful gesture that says, “I care about you.”
When we share a cute animal meme or video, we’re essentially doing the same thing: offering a digital “pebble” to friends and family, signaling affection and reinforcing our relationships.
Sharing cute animal pictures online does more than entertain—it helps strengthen digital connections and reinforces relationships within social groups and online communities. Image source: Tuqa Nabi / Unsplash.
It’s not just about the animals, either. The researchers found that about half of all social media users say their main reason for logging on is to keep in touch with loved ones.
Sharing a funny dog video or a heartwarming rescue story becomes a way to say, “I’m thinking of you,” even when we’re miles apart.
How a Cat Video Becomes a Social Glue
The study breaks down the journey of a cute animal post into three stages:
1. Indexicalization: This is where it all begins. You snap a photo of your neighbor’s cat wearing a tiny hat, or you find a hilarious gif of a dancing parrot. You add a caption, a hashtag, or a personal note—something that gives the image meaning and connects it to your own life.
Also read: Want to feel happier? Science says logging off social media at the right time works
2. Re-indexicalization: Next, you share the content with your circle—maybe your family group chat, your bridge club, or your old college friends. As people react, comment, and share it back, the post takes on new emotional layers. It becomes an inside joke, a shared memory, or a symbol of your group’s unique bond.
3. Decontextualization: Finally, the content might become trending, stripped of its original context and turned into a meme that anyone can enjoy. At this stage, it’s less about your personal connection and more about spreading joy to the wider world.
Why It Matters—Especially for the Over-60 Crowd
For those who remember a time before smartphones and social media, it’s easy to dismiss these digital habits as trivial. But the truth is, sharing cute animal content is a powerful way to nurture relationships—especially when in-person visits aren’t always possible.
Whether you’re keeping up with far-flung family, reconnecting with old friends, or just brightening someone’s day, these small gestures add up.
And it’s not just about animals! The researchers suggest that the same principles apply to other types of content, like sharing recipes, funny grandkid photos, or even those “remember when” throwback posts.
It’s all about using digital tools to maintain the connections that matter most.
Did you know that engaging with uplifting content can actually boost your mood and lower stress?
Studies have shown that looking at cute animals can trigger the release of oxytocin—the “love hormone”—which helps us feel more relaxed and connected. For older adults, especially those who may feel isolated, these digital interactions can be a lifeline, offering a sense of belonging and community.
Read next: Using tech could be the brain boost older adults didn’t see coming
What’s the cutest animal photo or video you’ve ever shared? Do you have a favorite 'digital pebble' you like to send to friends or family? Have you noticed that sharing these moments brings you closer to your loved ones? We’d love to hear your stories and tips in the comments below!
