Compared to interactions with computers, interactions with human counterparts require more emotional involvement, cognitive effort and brain activation. (psychologytoday.com)
To many, their furry (and not so furry) companions become family members, and are loved just as much as human counterparts. (animalfoundation.com)
Whereas human counterparts inherently pass social judgment, animals are often perceived as sources of unconditional, positive support, the researchers wrote. (sciencedaily.com)