There is finally some good news about the use of social media – for a change. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram can be powerful tools for wildlife conservation. A study in Environmental Communication from researchers at the University of Cape Town highlights how these platforms can generate public support for species like the caracal, a wild cat threatened by human activities.
So, Facebook, Instagram and the rest can actually be used for good instead of evil.
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The researchers say that their results show that the mammal’s similarity to a domestic feline has attracted thousands of followers to internet feeds about caracal conservation. The researchers suggest this online appeal is linked to the phenomenon where cat images, videos, and memes go viral.
“Using an aesthetic species such as the caracal is an effective way to capture public attention to communicate the importance of conserving urban wildlife,” say Drs Gabriella Leighton and Laurel Serieys from the University of Cape Town. “These findings highlight the use of smaller carnivores as flagship conservation species for rapidly urbanizing areas.
“This paper contributes to our understanding of the various ways in which the public can participate in science. It shows how charismatic species can contribute to conservation and public awareness of biodiversity in urban areas,” she added. “The research demonstrates how a public interest in urban ecology and the global phenomenon of ‘cats on the internet’…can be harnessed to leverage conservation action.”
This new research comes at the same time as a study conducted by Curtin University challenged the widely held belief that heavy social media use significantly impacts mental health. The research found a minimal if any correlation between time spent on social media, like Instagram, and mental health indicators like depression, anxiety, and stress. Interestingly, the study suggests that the impact of social media on mental health isn’t always negative.
It was also found to have a weak positive association with attentional control, suggesting increased social media use is linked with slightly better performance in maintaining attention.
