A looming deadline that you’ve only got hours left to complete. A major exam that can impact your entire academic career. A speech that can completely alter your life, etc. No matter how intense these things can be, we’ve all found ourselves being significantly counter-productive and probably watching videos of cats being stuck in boxes, meowing at the camera person and various other adorable activities.
According to a recent study done by researchers at the University of Indiana, Bloomington, watching these types of videos do more than just feed procrastination habits.
Researcher Jessica Gall Myrick noted that the results of her study showed that the videos reduces anxiety, annoyance and general stress levels similar to the effects of pet therapy.
The study surveyed 7,000 people who regularly watch cat videos. Participants stated that they felt more energetic and optimistic after watching the videos.
“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 afterward,” Myrick said. “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. If we want to better understand the effects of the Internet may have on us as individuals and on society, then researchers can’t ignore Internet cats anymore.”
Next time you find yourself getting stressed with whatever intimidating responsibility you’re facing, feel no shame after indulging in a couple of cat videos, because science says it’s good for you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tntOCGkgt98
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