Videos with cute animals like the Australian quokka are not only in demand on Instagram. According to researchers, the images can have a calming effect.
Watching animal videos is a great pastime for many people. But sometimes there’s supposedly more. In an earlier study, researchers at the University of Leeds in the UK found that looking at cute animals — such as the Australian quokka, often dubbed the “happiest animal alive” — can have a calming effect on people.
How Cute Animals Can Reduce Our Stress Levels — According To Study, Just By Looking At Them
For the study, participants looked at Knowledge magazine Galileo according to a half-hour video of Australian quokkas, among others. Thanks to the particular shape of their teeth, little kangaroos always seem to smile; marsupials native to southwestern Australia with round pearly eyes and protruding ears appear particularly curious, lively and cheerful. Just looking at them can put you in a good mood.
And according to the results of the study, this can have a corresponding effect on people’s minds: In the test, students were shown videos of the animals shortly before an exam, described the knowledge magazine. So in a situation where you’d usually be a little more tense. After seeing the friendly marsupials, all participants had lower blood pressure and heart rate. The conclusion was that they were less stressed.
How cute animals can lower our stress levels: Australian quokkas often on Instagram
Quokkas are more likely to be found on Rottnes Island. There are now countless photos of and with animals on Instagram.
Mobile phone photos with cute marsupials are a hit on the Internet, such as travel magazine Travel diary reported. But as popular as they are, especially with Australian fans, quokkas are on the endangered species list.
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How Cute Animals Can Lower Our Stress Levels – Cat Video Study
Meanwhile, a study by the Indiana University Middle School in the US found that cat videos can make people happier and more productive.
The study of nearly 7,000 participants found that after watching cat videos, they felt better, had more energy than before, and felt less anxious or sad afterwards.
