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

Many people post images of their pets online as a way of expressing their own identity and building a public persona for themselves. (Unsplash/Karsten Winegeart)

If you use social media, you’ve probably noticed a plethora of animal photos — on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest and other platforms. Some people dedicate accounts exclusively to their pets, with some of these animals gaining notoriety and wealth as “pet influencers.”

Others share their daily lives through pictures of interactions with their companion animals. And the tech industry has responded with new platforms such as Petzbe and other apps and communities for pets and their families.