Psychology of Media & Technology

Social connection is one of our primary needs so a response to a plea for cuteness rewards you two ways:  a little shot of dopamine and the cognitive meaning that makes people feel heard, connected and supported.  Not all are requests for cute animals. Some ask for other things that they find comforting or humorous (i.e. fabulous outfits) -- something that makes them happy.  But cute animals, especially puppies and kittens trigger a biological response in humans that makes most of us feel warm and fuzzy.  As with human babies, those big eyes in puppies trigger oxytocin, which increases our tendency to bond and love.  Interestingly, if the puppy wasn't on YouTube and was able to look back into your eyes, it would secrete more oxytocin in its blood, too, increasing the relational bond between you.