Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas: What happens when your dog uses the internet

What happens when your dog uses the internet

Imagine this: you walk into a room, and your dog is on a video call with their fellow canine friends. Computer scientist Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas thinks the notion of a social internet for animals is not far off. She explores what happens when animals control their own technology — from parrots making friends online to monkeys choosing their favorite audio tracks — and shows how this technology transforms our understanding of animal consciousness.

Technology is giving animals surprising new ways to shape their own worlds, from dogs making video calls to parrots picking their favorite friends online. One dog called his person so often that routines formed, while zoo monkeys used screens to watch underwater barracudas and even reduce stress behaviors. These experiments reveal that animals not only use digital tools but also show preferences and emotional responses. As more species get online, their hidden social needs and personalities come into clearer focus.