"Are You with the Right Mate?" The Media's Misuse of Chimpanzees | Psychology Today

"Are You with the Right Mate?" The Media's Misuse of Chimpanzees | Psychology Today: "Media's Misuse of Chimpanzees
The misuse of chimpanzees is harmful to endangered apes"

In a recent cover story in the magazine edition of PT a profound question is asked, "Are You with the Right Mate"?

The article is interesting and covers all of the nitty-gritty about the social dynamics of relationships. But, what caught my eye, and that of many others who have taken the time to write to me, is the use of photos of a chimpanzee in the article. Their, and my, concern was not that a chimpanzee was used to portray a human male but rather centered on the use/abuse of the dressed-up chimpanzee in the first place. I have a good sense of humor but didn't find the pictures at all amusing.

There are also compelling ethical issues about the use of chimpanzees and other animals in media. Vanessa Woods has written about some of these issues and there are also great concerns about how the use of chimpanzees presents a false image to the public about their conservation status. Chimpanzees and other animals don't normally run around in fancy clothes or ride on the back of scooters.

The Way Things Are

Romance itself seeds the eventual belief that we have chosen the wrong partner. The early stage of a relationship, most marked by intense attraction and infatuation, is in many ways akin to cocaine intoxication, observes Christine Meinecke, a clinical psychologist in Des Moines, Iowa. It's orchestrated, in part, by the neurochemicals associated with intense pleasure. Like a cocaine high, it's not sustainable.

But for the duration—and experts give it nine months to four years—infatuation has one overwhelming effect: Research shows that it makes partners overestimate their similarities and idealize each other. We're thrilled that he loves Thai food, travel, and classic movies, just like us. And we overlook his avid interest in old cars and online poker.

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