Study Suggests: Watching Cat Videos And Pictures Makes People Happy & Boosts Energy

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 in a news release. “We all have watched a cat video online, but there is really little empirical work done on why so many of us do this, or what effects it might have on us.”

Watching cute/funny cat videos and pictures may not be a waste of time. A new study has found doing so could boost energy levels and increase feelings of happiness. Published in the journal Computers in Human Behavior, the study even suggests that watching internet cats could be used as a form of digital pet therapy or stress relief.

(Photo Credit: Shutterstock)

 

Have you ever watched a cat video and noticed that your mood was improved, you felt more relaxed, present and that you were able to get more accomplished after?

The study, Emotion Regulation, Procrastination, and Watching Cat Videos Online: Who Watches Internet Cats, Why, and to What Effect? was recently published in Computers in Human Behavior, an online Science journal. The study involved approximately seven thousand people.

The findings were pretty cool. In short, cat videos, make people happy and can give you that extra boost of energy so many need to get through the day. If you are feeling stressed out at work. A two minute cat video can be a quick fix. By watching cat related media, it can reduces stress. Not only is it possible to actually make you feel better, but you are able to accomplish more.

Photo Credit : sugarthegoldenretriever.com

Myrick said “Maybe that’s why we watch so often at work — because we’re stressed and looking to regulate our emotions.”

Professor Myrick also explored the interrelationship between feelings of guilt and enjoyment related to obsessively watching cats online; testing a conceptual model that links procrastination, guilt, happiness, and enjoyment. “Even if they are watching cat videos on YouTube to procrastinate or while they should be working, the emotional pay-off may actually help people take on tough tasks afterwards,”

(Photo: Volt Collection/Shutterstock)

Story inspiration: Cattime

So keep watching and sharing, it is something that has an impact on our well being..the more we know about cats, the more awesome they are.