We’ve all taken that five-minute work “break” to watch the cat video that your cousin (and 12 other people you know) just posted on Facebook. But now you may have a valid excuse for watching Pudge the cat snore while she’s awake (especially for when your boss catches you). It turns out, watching these adorable kitties is actually good for mental health.
According to CBS News, a recent study from the journal Computers in Human Behavior surveyed 7,000 Internet users about their cat video viewing behavior and the affect it has on their mood. Surprise! Findings showed that watching cat videos actually boosted energy and diminished negative emotions such as sadness, annoyance or anxiety. I mean, just look at that face.
Jessica Gall Myrick, assistant professor at The Media School at Indiana University and conductor of the study, said in a press release, “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.” In other words, don’t feel guilty — cat videos are good for you! And she’s not done investigating the topic. “As a media researcher and online cat video viewer, I felt compelled to gather some data about this pop culture phenomenon,” Myrick said of her first study. She’s now looking to continue research in terms of using cat videos as a form of low-cost pet therapy.
Here’s a wonderful video of kittens —for health purposes, of course. You’re welcome.
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