Social media as a platform for promoting knowledge about responsible pet care among youth

Introduction

In modern society, one of the pressing issues is ensuring responsible attitudes toward domestic animals. As the number of pets increases, so does the incidence of neglect, cruelty, and abandonment [1]. According to the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), approximately 30% of pets are abandoned annually due to owners’ unpreparedness for long-term care [18]. This problem is largely associated with a lack of information and underdeveloped attitudes regarding responsibility for living beings, especially among youth. Adolescents often decide to acquire pets driven by emotions or trends without fully understanding the obligations related to their care, treatment, and long-term maintenance [3]. Research in developmental psychology indicates that during adolescence there is a heightened need for emotional attachment, making pets a popular object to fill social voids [2].

The Role of Digital Media in Education

In the digital age, traditional forms of education (school lessons, posters in veterinary clinics) are giving way to new media formats. According to Pew Research Center (2023), 95% of teenagers use social media daily, with video content accounting for up to 70% of their online activity [11]. Young people spend significant time online; thus, social networks, video platforms, and blogs are key channels influencing their attitudes toward animals [6, p. 45-52]. Effective education today requires not only credible content but also engaging presentation that appeals to visual perception and emotional connection. Neurophysiological studies confirm that visual information is remembered 65% better than text alone and that emotionally charged content increases engagement threefold [17].

Impact of Social Media on Attitudes Toward Animals

Social media significantly influences youth perceptions of domestic animals through visual and emotional engagement. Video blogs allow viewers to observe real-life pet behaviors, personalities, and needs–fostering empathy. Experiments based on Bandura’s social learning theory demonstrate that showcasing positive behavioral models on social platforms can reduce cruelty toward animals by 40% [7, p. 112-125]. Adolescents begin perceiving animals not as toys but as living beings requiring care and responsibility. Influential bloggers serve as role models; when popular creators demonstrate responsible pet ownership–such as proper care, treatment, and training–audiences develop corresponding behavioral norms [14]. Comment analysis under such videos shows that 78% of viewers consider the consequences of their actions after engaging with educational content [12].

Challenges in Content Quality

However, there is a shortage of high-quality educational content about animals online. More prevalent are videos that promote irresponsible attitudes–such as dressing pets in uncomfortable clothing for entertainment or using animals in pranks [4]. Content analysis of 1,000 popular videos tagged #Pets revealed that only 12% contained information on proper care; 63% were purely entertainment-oriented [9]. Such content creates a false perception of pets as tolerant objects for amusement without highlighting potential psychological harm. Additionally, popularity of videos featuring exotic animals kept in unsuitable conditions normalizes risky practices–particularly dangerous for impressionable adolescents prone to imitation [12]. Veterinary associations report an increase in injuries caused by social media “trends,” such as attempting TikTok tricks with pets [15].

Strategies for Effective Educational Content

Effective influence on fostering responsible attitudes involves carefully designed content strategies. Analysis of successful blogs (e.g., Magic Family) highlights key mechanisms:

1. Visualizing everyday care routines (feeding, walking, hygiene) to provide realistic insights into pet maintenance. Studies show that blogs regularly demonstrating routine procedures increase awareness levels by 35% [9].
2. Discussing challenges (illnesses, adaptation processes, aging), dismantling myths about “easy” pet ownership.
3. Demonstrating financial and time commitments involved in caring for animals–surveys indicate that 60% of pet owners underestimated costs before acquiring a pet [19].
4. Incorporating educational elements into entertaining formats (reviews of pet foods, explanations based on zoo psychology).
5. Promoting interactivity through challenges and discussions enhances audience engagement; case studies like “PetCare” show interactive formats increase information retention by 50% [8, p. 88-97].

Future Directions

A promising avenue involves collaboration between bloggers and veterinary professionals or zoo psychologists. For example, the “Scientists Against Myths” project on YouTube unites experts and popular creators to debunk dangerous stereotypes [10].

Conclusion

Social media has become a vital tool in shaping a culture of responsible attitude toward animals among youth. The effectiveness of educational content depends on combining credible information with emotional engagement tailored to digital consumption formats. Further development requires algorithmic support for educational materials, establishing professional standards for “animal bloggers,” and integrating animal responsibility topics into school-based media literacy programs [5].