The co-evolution of humans (Homo sapiens) and the domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) spans well over 40,000 years, and research suggests multiple origins of domestication with early cooperative partnerships. This long-lasting
relationship has grown through the domestication process, shaping each species. One key adaptation in dogs was the selection of genes facilitating starch digestion, shifting their diet towards food provided by humans during early human
settlements and the advent of agriculture. Dogs also exhibit left-side gaze (LSG), where they read human facial emotions. This trait also evolved in humans; however, dogs do not show LSG with other dogs. Domestication also resulted
in the evolution of physiological traits, including the oxytocin gaze loop. This phenomenon describes a reciprocal oxytocin release in humans and dogs when experiencing mutual eye and physical contact. This behavior encourages a positive
feedback loop, strengthening the emotional bond between the two species. Given the deep-rooted connection between humans and dogs, it is reasonable to explore modern interactions between the species, particularly focusing on the impact
of dog-related social media content. As the popularity of social media rises, humans increasingly engage with dogs indirectly, potentially producing similar emotional and physiological responses as experienced via direct contact.
This study will investigate if watching dog-related content on social media enhances feelings of joy and relaxation, potentially due to an increase in oxytocin levels. Participants will be recruited from the Pullman, WA area, on the Washington
State University campus. Participants will provide a baseline saliva sample to measure oxytocin levels before beginning. Participants will then view a curated selection of dog-related videos from various platforms (Instagram, YouTube,
and TikTok), featuring playful and affectionate behavior in 2 dogs. Following the videos, participants will submit a secondary saliva test to measure oxytocin levels. Following the videos and submitting the saliva samples to assess
pre- and post-oxytocin levels, participants will complete a survey to assess their general attitudes toward dogs and social media. ELISA will subsequently be employed to measure pre- and post-oxytocin levels in the collected saliva
samples. Statistical analyses will be conducted to determine if significant differences exist between oxytocin levels among samples and responses to the questionnaire. Considering the historical relationship between humans and dogs,
it is expected that exposure to dog-related content online will lead to an increase in oxytocin levels.
In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of understanding the long-lasting human-dog connection. Testing increased positive emotions via oxytocin levels due to viewing social media content centered around dogs demonstrates
how this profound bond has been established over thousands of years. This research serves to provide evidence that under changing social environments, such as social media platforms, it is vital to understand if, potentially, a new
human-dog co-evolutionary paradigm is underway.
Specific Aims and Significance
The specific aims of this study are to assess if viewing dog-related content on social media increases oxytocin levels, and to explore the broader impact of social media engagement on human emotions. While the oxytocin gaze loop provides
compelling evidence for understanding human-dog relationships, there is a critical gap in conceptualizing if indirect contact with dogs, specifically through social media, elicits a similar physiological response. This research is
a pioneering approach to define a new human-dog co-evolutionary paradigm in the digital age. It serves to further understand if dynamic social relationships presented via social media communication platforms facilitate human-dog relationships
via indirect contact. While anecdotal evidence suggests humans frequently share dog-related content to uplift others e.g., friends and family, no prior research has rigorously investigated whether a measurable physiological effect
occurs with indirect dog contact. Social media are integral to society, shaping social, cultural, and behavioral norms and the different platforms profoundly impact contemporary users. This research will elucidate how dog-related content
affects oxytocin levels and therefore is vital in generating future hypotheses related to mental health, social connection, and the potential co-evolution of interspecies relationships based on digital content. Before the complexities
of the digital age and human-social relationships under this umbrella, we can again turn back to Charles Darwin, the natural historian who posed the theory of evolution via natural selection based on his observations of artificial
selection. Darwin wrote in an 1871 letter, “I most heartily subscribe to what you say about the qualities of Dogs: I have one whom I love with all my heart” (Darwin Correspondence Project; University of Cambridge).
Interdisciplinary Research Components (excerpt)
The complex question driving this research project is: Can indirect interactions with dogs, specifically through social media content, elicit physiological and emotional responses in humans comparable to direct contact with dogs? Multiple
disciplines must be considered to address this question, namely evolutionary biology, physiology, psychology, and digital media studies. The evolutionary biology component of this study will focus on how H. sapiens and C. lupus familiaris concurrently self-domesticated, a process proposed to have occurred in C. lupus familiaris and H. sapiens, where traits thought to be associated with domestication, e.g. reduced aggression and increased tameness through
natural selection, occurred without the intentional intervention of another species, for breeding or selective purposes; and also how humans and dogs simultaneously co-evolved over the last 40,000 years or more. An understanding of
how species evolve, forming long-lasting relationships is required, along with a foundational background in human physiology. By measuring human oxytocin levels, ELISA will give insights into how study participants respond to dog-related
content at a biochemical level, which might also provide additional supporting evidence for H. sapiens’ long co-evolutionary history with C. lupus familiaris, but using a new physiological response i.e., social media.
The response will be observed psychologically, with emotions like joy, calmness, and bonding. Psychology plays a crucial role in this project, with human behavior and well-being serving to answer the complex, overarching question stated
above. Social media will also be tested as a selective evolutionary force. Lastly, knowledge of the digital age is required for this study, considering the participants will be exposed to indirect dog contact via social media. Digital
studies help interpret how social media plays a role as a selective force in the co-evolution of H. sapiens and C. lupus familiaris.
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