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Scientists Discover That Some Humans Tend To Love Pets More Than Other Humans
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Scientists Discover That Some Humans Tend To Love Pets More Than Other Humans

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“Would You Rather” is an extremely fun game to play with family and friends, especially when it is done spontaneously. You’ll probably be surprised to hear that scientists enjoy playing this game too, covering a variety of topics.

Well, all right, science tends to be more complicated than proposing a “this or that” question, but the principle is the same. A study by Jack Levin, Arnold Arluke, and Leslie Irvine asked 240 students to read a fictional news story, whereby law enforcement was called to investigate a savage beating, but no arrests were made. Each student received a different fictional story at random, whereby the only difference is the victim: an infant, a puppy, an adult dog, or an adult human. Afterward, they were asked to indicate the level of empathy towards the victim.

Bored Panda reached out to Arnold Arluke, one of the professors who worked on the study. Arluke is a Senior Scholar at the Tufts Center for Animals and Public Policy, author of 13 books and over 100 articles covering a variety of topics, including human-animal relationships and animal ethics.

A study was conducted on people’s empathy towards humans vs. animals in Northeastern University

Image credits: Jordan Koons / Unsplash

The study aims to identify the level to which respondents are emotionally disturbed by reports of human and animal suffering and abuse. The idea came from the popular view that the media seems to evoke greater emotional reactions and draw more attention from the public with stories that involve animal victims rather than human victims.

Levin et. al. illustrated this with Harrison’s Fund, a Duchenne muscular dystrophy support charity. They ran a fundraiser and used two versions of the same ad. Both of them had the caption “Would you give 5 pounds to save Harrison from a slow, painful death?” However, the featured image was different: one was of an eight-year-old with Duchenne, while the other was a stock photo of a dog. The dog version ended up attracting twice as many clicks compared to the version with the boy.

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Image credits: Bernt Sønvisen

Though there were similar studies done on the issue of empathy towards humans vs. animals, many of them ended up being inconclusive due to how the nature of empathy is viewed. This eventually lead to further research that supports the idea of two kinds of empathy—these share certain components, as opposed to a single emotional mechanism.

Other studies concluded that pet ownership leads to higher human-human empathy scores in contrast to those of human-animal. However, there was an exception: if a respondent has a higher level of attachment with a companion animal, this strongly affects their emotional response on behalf of the creature.

240 students were asked to respond to a fake article, the victims of which were randomized

Image credits: Russell Trow

The age range of the study sample was comparatively narrow, namely 18-23 year-old students. However, Prof. Arluke explained that there is already a body of research available that allows to speculate similar results for older age ranges: “Longitudinal analyses show no age-related decline in empathy, so the results should be about the same.”

The current study gives a number of insights, the main one being the idea that the victim’s age was a key factor in triggering empathy. Respondents were the least empathic to the adult human victim, while infants received the most empathy. Puppies and adult dogs came in between the two human options, leaning much more towards infant rather than adult human scores.

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Gender also played a role in how respondents reacted. Female participants ended up much more likely to be empathetic than males, which is consistent with previous studies where females experience more distress than males in matters of victimization.

Image credits: m-louis .®

Scientists suggest that the high empathy score for infants is because respondents view infants as similar to themselves, of their own kind. This idea connects to their second explanation that both infants and dogs are vulnerable, thus bringing human-animal empathy scores closer to those of the infant. However, neither of these explanations are confirmed in the current study.

When asked if there could be other possible reasons, such as societal or cultural norms, Prof. Arluke said: “Perceived similarity and vulnerability are themselves normative to a degree.”

So, there we have it, ladies and gents—it’s official. Science has proven that people are more empathetic towards dogs than they are with humans and would thus be more likely to win in the “Would You Rather” hypothetical. Well, adult humans. Babies still triumph, though.

It’s official—science says people are more empathetic towards dogs than they are with human adults

Image credits: KerriRae

Of course, the internet was in unison with the study…

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tristessa avatar
rl_2 avatar
R L
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They're a bit late- millions of people could have saved them the money and told them the same thing.

johngordonp avatar
John
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In other news - water is wet and the sky is blue

christopheferreira avatar
kurisutofu
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't think the study proves anything. Empathy is not love. Also, when it's a human being the victim, we add our bias based on our expectations. While for animals, we just expect them to be clueless, less smart than a human and basically lacking control over what happen to them. So I don't find surprising that we feel more for them.

captaindash avatar
Full Name
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This. BP has a nasty habit of making false clickbaity claims in the titles that aren't usually present in the articles themselves. Empathy is absolutely NOT the same as love. I mean at f*****g all. It's possible to have empathy towards things/people you absolutely hate.

Load More Replies...
snorincats avatar
Kathy Baylis
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All the cruelty I’ve experienced in my life has come from other humans. Animals, on the other hand, have never ever been cruel to me. Obviously, I prefer animals.

chrisdifonso avatar
Chris DiFonso
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dogs save lives. Dogs are pure of heart and innocent. Dogs provide unconditional love. Dogs don't care about your looks, about how much money you have (as long as you have enough for food and decent shelter), how fancy your car is (it better have enough room for your doggo, tho!), your social media posts, your job, your job title, etc.

sharronlparsons avatar
sharron lynn parsons
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Of course, I agree that our pets, are better than most humans, so sad but true, I have had cats and dogs, love both but dogs are different, difficult to explain, there seems to be a stronger relationship, deeper connection, and emotional thoughts and feelings, they say you may have that one special dog in your life,and I did, he understood me, he could almost read my mind, I was blessed, I miss him to an extreme level !!!

sammyanne1_sh avatar
Helen Haley
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Of course it's easier. We assume anything that befalls an animal is automatically a tragedy. If bad happens to a human, most people will ask if they deserved it and assume they deserved it on some level. I wish it weren't so, but I've sat through enough conversations listening to callous people spout how homeless people deserve to be homeless to believe that empathy for other humans is in short supply.

arizonakate61 avatar
Katherine
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I completely agree. I would rather be with my dog than any person. I love her unconditionally

maysa_niyazova avatar
Maysa Niyazova
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean... I def love my dog more than anyone else. She's innocent and so easily hurt. Must be protected and loved and given yums.

jmchoto avatar
Jo Choto
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am pretty sure that all Bored Panda peeps fall into the category of preferring animals to humans. I certainly do.

georgedigamma avatar
George Digamma
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are the same scientist who came into the conclusion that people like french fries, i suppose.

ronelduplessis avatar
Ronel du Plessis
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The more I get to know people. The more I love animals. I think alligators are more trust worthy then some humans.

ngaerewoodford avatar
NWB
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes I love my family. BUT I still probably love a s**t ton of animals more!!!! Give me all the kittens, the womats, the dolphins give them all to me for pats!!!!

theorybuchannon avatar
Theory Buchannon
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't like humans because of what they are doing to the animals. SO I completely agree with these people

dariazotova avatar
Daria Z
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always feel more disturbed by reports of animal abuse since they are far less protected than human children. Not every country has laws against animal cruelty.

chris-watson-73113528 avatar
Chris Watson
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so sad. Too many people will feed a stray, but not a lost soul or homeless person. Be reminded however, your loving pet will eat you when there's nothing else available.

michel_2 avatar
Marcellus the Third
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"I don't have to worry about my pets stabbing me in the back"... Someone's never had cats, clearly.

always2bfaithful avatar
Dianna Siever
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know I'll be hated, but I like people way more than animals. The list of reasons is huge and varied, so I won't go into it. I get the idea of empathy towards animals more than adult humans, but I also think we're fooling ourselves. There's a flip side to this argument... given no other option, who would you let starve?

kat_brew avatar
Kat Brew
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would rather spend my day in a room full of dogs than a room with people in it.

tristessa avatar
rl_2 avatar
R L
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They're a bit late- millions of people could have saved them the money and told them the same thing.

johngordonp avatar
John
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In other news - water is wet and the sky is blue

christopheferreira avatar
kurisutofu
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't think the study proves anything. Empathy is not love. Also, when it's a human being the victim, we add our bias based on our expectations. While for animals, we just expect them to be clueless, less smart than a human and basically lacking control over what happen to them. So I don't find surprising that we feel more for them.

captaindash avatar
Full Name
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This. BP has a nasty habit of making false clickbaity claims in the titles that aren't usually present in the articles themselves. Empathy is absolutely NOT the same as love. I mean at f*****g all. It's possible to have empathy towards things/people you absolutely hate.

Load More Replies...
snorincats avatar
Kathy Baylis
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All the cruelty I’ve experienced in my life has come from other humans. Animals, on the other hand, have never ever been cruel to me. Obviously, I prefer animals.

chrisdifonso avatar
Chris DiFonso
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dogs save lives. Dogs are pure of heart and innocent. Dogs provide unconditional love. Dogs don't care about your looks, about how much money you have (as long as you have enough for food and decent shelter), how fancy your car is (it better have enough room for your doggo, tho!), your social media posts, your job, your job title, etc.

sharronlparsons avatar
sharron lynn parsons
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Of course, I agree that our pets, are better than most humans, so sad but true, I have had cats and dogs, love both but dogs are different, difficult to explain, there seems to be a stronger relationship, deeper connection, and emotional thoughts and feelings, they say you may have that one special dog in your life,and I did, he understood me, he could almost read my mind, I was blessed, I miss him to an extreme level !!!

sammyanne1_sh avatar
Helen Haley
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Of course it's easier. We assume anything that befalls an animal is automatically a tragedy. If bad happens to a human, most people will ask if they deserved it and assume they deserved it on some level. I wish it weren't so, but I've sat through enough conversations listening to callous people spout how homeless people deserve to be homeless to believe that empathy for other humans is in short supply.

arizonakate61 avatar
Katherine
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I completely agree. I would rather be with my dog than any person. I love her unconditionally

maysa_niyazova avatar
Maysa Niyazova
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean... I def love my dog more than anyone else. She's innocent and so easily hurt. Must be protected and loved and given yums.

jmchoto avatar
Jo Choto
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am pretty sure that all Bored Panda peeps fall into the category of preferring animals to humans. I certainly do.

georgedigamma avatar
George Digamma
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are the same scientist who came into the conclusion that people like french fries, i suppose.

ronelduplessis avatar
Ronel du Plessis
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The more I get to know people. The more I love animals. I think alligators are more trust worthy then some humans.

ngaerewoodford avatar
NWB
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes I love my family. BUT I still probably love a s**t ton of animals more!!!! Give me all the kittens, the womats, the dolphins give them all to me for pats!!!!

theorybuchannon avatar
Theory Buchannon
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't like humans because of what they are doing to the animals. SO I completely agree with these people

dariazotova avatar
Daria Z
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always feel more disturbed by reports of animal abuse since they are far less protected than human children. Not every country has laws against animal cruelty.

chris-watson-73113528 avatar
Chris Watson
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so sad. Too many people will feed a stray, but not a lost soul or homeless person. Be reminded however, your loving pet will eat you when there's nothing else available.

michel_2 avatar
Marcellus the Third
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"I don't have to worry about my pets stabbing me in the back"... Someone's never had cats, clearly.

always2bfaithful avatar
Dianna Siever
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know I'll be hated, but I like people way more than animals. The list of reasons is huge and varied, so I won't go into it. I get the idea of empathy towards animals more than adult humans, but I also think we're fooling ourselves. There's a flip side to this argument... given no other option, who would you let starve?

kat_brew avatar
Kat Brew
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would rather spend my day in a room full of dogs than a room with people in it.

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