Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Researchers Claim a Few Cat Videos Per Day Helps Keep the Doctor Away

Posted by samzenpus on from the you-still-can-haz-cheeseburger dept.

bigwophh writes: A study published in the journal Computers in Human Behavior suggests that watching videos of cats may be good for your health. The study pinged nearly 7,000 people and asked them how viewing cat videos affected their moods. Of those surveyed, over a third (36 percent) described themselves as a "cat person" and nearly two-thirds (60 percent) said they have an affinity for both dogs and cats. Survey subjects noted less tendencies towards feeling anxious, sad, or annoyed after watching cat videos, including times when they viewed the videos while at work or trying to study. They also reported feeling more energetic and more positive afterwards. There may have been some guilt from putting off work or studying to watch Internet videos, but the amusement they got from seeing the antics of cats more than made up for it.

3 of 59 comments (clear)

  1. Science reporting at its best! by Okian+Warrior · · Score: 4, Informative

    Okay, nothing in the linked article (that I could find) points to the actual study. After some googling, people are apparently reporting on this paper.

    The paper has these highlights:

    A survey of nearly 7000 Internet users tested associations between personality traits, past behavior, and viewing cat-related media online.

    The study also examined Internet users’ motivations for consuming cat-related content, including emotion regulation and procrastination.

    Additionally, it explored effects of Internet cat consumption on emotional states and enjoyment of this type of digital media.

    Results point to certain personality types being more strongly associated with Internet cat consumption.

    Furthermore, results support a conceptual model arguing that the happiness gained from viewing Internet cats can moderate the relationship between procrastination motives, guilt, and enjoyment.

    None of this, and nothing in the abstract, is anywhere close to what others and linked articles in the post summary claim.

    However, taking an austere view of the highlights, note that 7,000 people were polled and *self reported* that they felt good after watching cat videos.

    Also, what does "[viewing] can moderate the relationship between procrastination motives, guilt, and enjoyment" mean? What is this study reporting, and how does one use this information?

    "Moderate the relationship between things" is complete non-content speech. It's the thing one would expect from a politician trying to dodge a question.

    Also - papers have "highlights" sections now?

  2. Gordon Shumway by Psychotria · · Score: 3, Informative

    Did anyone else notice that the lead researcher was Gordon Shumway?

  3. Fitz does it! by StonyCreekBare · · Score: 1, Informative

    In my Science Fiction novel 'Chromosome Quest', the hero, Fitz, takes a time-out to watch cat videos when he's feeling stressed. I put that in for a reason! It works! http://www.chromosomequest.com...