Videos of dogs walking on their hind legs, monkeys cruising around on motorcycles, and animals seemingly chuckling when tickled—these types of clips pop up annually across various social platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok. Though they may warm our hearts and bring smiles to our faces, they mask a more somber reality beneath the surface.
Animal abuse is at the root of these apparently touching visuals. Despite these videos spreading quickly online, they frequently depict scenarios that pose risks and cause stress to the animals, particularly when wildlife is involved. Certain content purports to be about
“rescues”
, however, they are completely fabricated to elicit empathy and increase viewership (as well as profits), claims
Futura-sciences
By sharing these videos, social media platforms are helping normalize the exploitation of animals. This issue becomes even more problematic because certain platforms like TikTok and Instagram do not limit content that promotes keeping wild animals as though they were ordinary pets.
A real impact
Among others, the association
Tonga Terre d’Accueil
emphasizes the severe repercussions of these videos. Researchers have observed an increase in the confiscations of caracals and servals. Individuals are illicitly keeping these creatures due to inspiration derived from content circulating on the internet. This pattern, as
Futura-sciences
Notes fuel a profitable trade, which endangers the survival of these species as they are unable to thrive beyond their natural habitats.
Before viewing such content, let’s aim to take a more analytical stance and question if these adorable creatures truly flourish in their natural habitat. By decreasing our desire for these clips, we can slowly ensure they fade away from our view.
(MH with Raphaël Liset – Source: Futura-sciences – Image: ©Unsplash)
