How Social Media Shapes Our View of Wild Monkeys

In Algeria, Barbary macaques are facing a unique challenge: how people see them online.

Two videos went viral on Facebook:

• One showed a monkey dressed up in sports clothes during a protest.
• The other showed a monkey being fed soda by tourists in its natural home.

Researchers analyzed the comments and reactions to these videos and found something interesting.

Public Reactions: A Tale of Two Contexts

• Natural Habitat Context:
• People were more likely to care about the monkey's well-being.

• Comments focused on conservation and the problems caused by feeding wild animals.

• Human-Like Context:
• People found the monkey amusing.
• They did not think about the monkey's welfare or the threats it faces.

The Power of Context in Wildlife Perception

The study shows that the context of a video can change how people perceive wildlife:

• Fun, human-like contexts may reduce concern for conservation.
• Natural environment contexts can spark concern and critical thinking about protection.

Social Media as a Tool for Conservation Awareness

• Videos showing problematic behaviors (like feeding wild animals) can raise awareness.
• Social media can be a powerful tool for education if used correctly.

Limitations and Future Research

• The study is a starting point; the dataset was small.
• More research is needed to make broader conclusions.

Conclusion: The Influence of Online Content

This study highlights the power of context in shaping public opinion:

• What we see online can influence attitudes toward wildlife and conservation.
• It's crucial to present wildlife in a way that promotes understanding and respect for their natural habitats and behaviors.