THE CONVERSATION: Why we give our cats, dogs and other pets social media accounts

The increasing prevalence of companion animals in people's lives is reflected in the growing popularity of pet-related social media accounts. These accounts serve multiple purposes, including allowing guardians to showcase their pets' identities, build community, and express their values or status. By creating personas for their animals, pet guardians influence these accounts' content and foster a sense of belonging and shared experiences.

This behavior can be seen as a form of public self-representation, where individuals selectively present aspects of themselves and their relationships to create a public persona.

Studies have shown that sharing photos of companion animals on social media platforms can help individuals strengthen their sense of identity and belonging to specific communities. Additionally, pets can be associated with social status, and the act of sharing a lifestyle around a companion animal may communicate this status to others. Gen Z and millennial pet guardians are particularly likely to spend time and money creating online content featuring their pets.

Online communities dedicated to pet-related content serve as emotional support networks, providing comfort and assistance to those caring for seriously ill companion animals or dealing with pet loss. These platforms enable pet guardians to connect with others who have experienced similar situations and share their stories. Social media accounts for companion animals are not just about cute photos; they allow for the expression of emotions, storytelling, and the formation of strong interspecies relationships.

Understanding these relationships in online contexts can offer insights into broader changes in the ways people build relationships, seek support, and define their identities.