In an age where technology permeates every facet of human life, it seems that even our closest animal relatives are not immune to its allure. Zoos across North America are now grappling with a unique challenge: how to limit the screen time of their gorilla inhabitants. This issue has arisen as visitors increasingly show images and videos on their smartphones to the animals through the glass walls of their enclosures.
Reports have surfaced in recent years about gorillas, who share 96 percent of our DNA, becoming fixated or even “addicted” to smartphones. These primates, much like humans, appear to be captivated by seeing imagery of themselves on screens. In Toronto, zoo officials have taken steps to address this issue by putting up signs urging visitors to refrain from showing their smartphones to the animals. The concern is that the gorillas become so engrossed in the screens that it begins to alter their behaviour, leading them to seek out more screen time from visitors.
“For the wellbeing of the gorilla troop,” warns one sign, “please refrain from showing them any videos or photos as some content can be upsetting and affect their relationships and behaviour within their family.” This plea highlights the potential negative impact that excessive screen time could have on these social animals.
At the San Diego Zoo, reporters observed visitors eagerly showing their phone screens to expectant gorillas, despite the zoo’s strong discouragement of such interactions. This phenomenon has given rise to a group of “gorilla groupies” who visit the zoo regularly, not only to film the animals but also to show them videos. Two such enthusiasts expressed their reluctance to disclose their identities, fearing they might be barred from the zoo or gorilla enclosures if discovered.
“This is my happy place,” said one man, who was seen wearing a gorilla shirt and engaging with one of the animals through his smartphone. A woman, who also spoke to reporters, became emotional at the thought of losing access to the gorilla enclosure, insisting that “any enrichment is good enrichment”, according to the report.
However, experts in animal behaviour and conservation disagree. A pioneering conservationist, who developed an early gorilla programme at a major zoo in the 1980s, wishes people would put their phones down and experience the wonder of these animals without inundating them with distracting technology. “I get that people want that sort of connection,” she said. “But the reality is: What does it do for the gorilla?”
The concern here is multifaceted. On one hand, there is the issue of behavioural changes in gorillas due to excessive screen time. Gorillas are highly intelligent and social animals; they rely on complex social structures and interactions within their groups. Introducing an external stimulus like a smartphone screen can disrupt these dynamics, leading to potential conflicts and stress within the troop.
Moreover, there is the question of whether such screen time constitutes a form of enrichment or merely a distraction. Enrichment activities are designed to stimulate an animal’s natural behaviours and provide mental and physical challenges. While watching videos might seem engaging, it does not necessarily promote the same level of cognitive engagement as other forms of enrichment, such as puzzle feeders or environmental modifications.
Research into the effects of screen time on primates is still in its infancy, but preliminary report suggests that it can lead to increased stress levels and behavioural issues.
More concerning, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that excessive screen time in humans is linked to various negative health outcomes, including eye strain, sleep disturbances, and mental health issues. While it is not yet clear if these same effects is applicable to gorillas, it stands to reason that such observations support the detrimental effects on human.
While the sight of a gorilla captivated by a smartphone screen may seem amusing or endearing, it raises important questions about how we interact with these intelligent creatures and the effects of screen time.
