Pets Could be the Answer to Surviving the Tech Revolution

LONDON, November 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

- "Humanity will change more in the next 20 years, than the previous 300 years" predicts leading futurologist, speaking at PURINA's Better with Pets event -

- Real pets (not robotic or AI pets) can help us stay emotionally grounded in a technological age - 

- BUT pet ownership among young families in the UK is falling - 

Leading futurologist and CEO of the Futures Agency, Gerd Leonhard, has warned that as technology advances at a faster pace than ever before, our humanity could be at risk as our relationship with machines and tech threatens to replace real bonds.

Speaking last night at PURINA's Better with Pets event in London, Gerd said: "Humanity will change more in the next 20 years, than the previous 300. For example, in the next two years it's likely that robots will have a 100% understanding of human language. As the world becomes more technologically complex and artificial intelligence continues to evolve, we risk becoming disconnected from the people around us. Relationships, not data, are what make us human".

Smart devices, home hubs, robots and even AI pets are all examples of how machines and technology are more and more closely replicating human interactions. In a world of total connectivity and intelligent machines, real pets could be the answer to retaining our 'humanness'.

"When we talk about humanity, we mean our ability to demonstrate compassion, to show sympathy or to be generous in our behaviour or disposition", explains psychologist and passionate pet advocate Honey Langcaster-James. "No matter how smart machines get, they are always going to mimic human behaviour - they don't have genuine compassion or sympathy - they are simply reacting to data and stimuli and giving off a set of responses that copy human traits. Pets can help us stay grounded in the face of such rapid change by fostering empathy and our ability to build relationships."

The incredible bond that humans have with companion animals and the numerous scientifically-proven benefits of living with pets are well documented. From pet owners being more physically active, to having lower baseline heart rates and a reduced risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, there is no doubt that owning pets can be very good for us.

The positive developmental benefits for children who grow up with pets in particular are also well known. These include; lower feelings of reported loneliness among schoolchildren with pets, evidence of increased resistance to respiratory illnesses when exposed to cats and dogs early in life, reduced animal phobias, and that children with a dog are better able to regulate their stress with the support of a dog. Teenage boys who have dogs at home have also been shown to perform better at school.

Despite these benefits, we are seeing a fall in pet ownership among young families.^[1] According to research by PURINA, a world-leading pet food manufacturer, the number of households with both pets and children has fallen by a total of 36,000 over the last five years, whereas the overall number of households with children has risen by nearly 200,000 in that same time period.^[1]  

Honey Langcaster-James commented: "No matter how life-like a robotic dog might seem, it can never replace the value of a real pet with a unique personality. Nor can you ever truly love or bond with a fake pet in a way that helps to develop empathy and compassion or teaches you the importance of caring for others. I cannot state enough the value of having a family pet, both in terms of how they help to bring families together and how nurturing and caring for a pet can help with children's emotional and social development."

"Now more than ever the importance of pets in our lives is clear", said Calum Macrae, PURINA's

UK & Ireland Regional Director. "It's why we have launched our report today, highlighting our commitments to strengthening the pet-human bond. We mustn't let machines replace the incredible bond we've had with companion animals for more than 20,000 years. But we recognise that many of the issues we are facing are too big for any one organisation to address alone - which is why we partner with a broad network of stakeholders, to raise the profile of pets and their value to our society."

The company unveiled its first Purina in Society Report at its Better with Pets event last night in London, which brought together a wide variety of industry experts. PURINA shared highlights of the progress made in 2016 against 10 commitments to society and showcased success stories from across Europe that demonstrate the value of the pet-human bond. To read PURINA's Better with Pets report, please visit: http://www.purina.eu/pinsreport

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1. UK families with at least one child under the age of 16, source Kantar Worldpanel 

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ABOUT THE REPORT 

The Purina in Society commitments were established in February 2016 in response to the issues that matter most to Purina's stakeholders. They fall under three categories: for individuals, pets and families; for the community; and for the planet. The commitments bring to life the company's core belief that when people and pets bond, life becomes richer. The commitments cover a range of topics, including: pet nutrition and health research, pet adoption, pets in the workplace and improving Purina's environmental performance. The 10 commitments are:

• Lead the industry in pet nutrition and health research
• Help reduce the risk of pet obesity through collaborative prevention programmes
• Deliver accessible product information and pet care advice
• Remove artificial colourants from our products
• Promote pets in the workplace
• Promote pet adoption through collaborations and partnerships
• Promote responsible pet ownership programmes for children
• Create job opportunities for young people under 30 years of age
• Improve the environmental performance of our packaging
• Implement responsible sourcing  

PURINA PETCARE  

• Purina PetCare EMENA (Europe, Middle East, North Africa) believes that pets and people are better together and is committed to helping pets live longer, happier and healthier lives through proper nutrition and care. For over 120 years, Purina has been one of the pioneers in providing nutritious and palatable products made to the highest standards of quality and safety. Purina's passion for pets goes beyond the advancement of pet nutrition and in 2016 Purina PetCare Europe launched the 10 Purina in Society commitments to have a positive impact on pets and society, including promoting pet adoption, pets in the workplace and helping to reduce the risk of pet obesity. The Purina portfolio includes many of the best-known and best-loved pet foods including FELIX®, Purina ONE®, Gourmet® and Purina PRO PLAN®.
• A premiere global manufacturer of pet products, Purina PetCare is part of Swiss-based Nestlé S.A., a global leader in nutrition, health and wellness.