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Bunny the 'talking' dog's owner says the skepticism from the scientific community hurts the most (www.businessinsider.com)
submitted 3 weeks ago by Haggunenons@lemmy.world to c/digitalbioacoustics@lemmy.world
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[-] Thistlewick@lemmynsfw.com 29 points 2 weeks ago

The scientific community is meant to be skeptical. If we wholeheartedly adopted every claim an instagrammer made online, we’d all be dead of covid or tide pod poisoning.

The only evidence we see of Bunny’s knowledge is what’s presented on their social media accounts. As noted in the article by a scientist, we are more likely to latch on to the one time a button press has meaning and disregard the nine that don’t. All we see of Bunny is the wins, so it’s really not scientific evidence of intelligence.

I will admit that what Bunny presents is compelling stuff, but there is no scientific rigour involved with the claims.

I’ve seen other dogs with buttons whose owners claim intelligence, but their buttons are for things like ‘walk’, ‘food’, ‘play’, and ‘love’. The dog could press any of those buttons and expect to receive a good outcome. Of course it’s going to feel like communication when the dog hits “play”, and is happy when you play with it.

[-] Haggunenons@lemmy.world 3 points 2 weeks ago

If it requires a combination of an especially clever dog and a human that is willing to give an especially large amount of attention, then it may be tough to get enough controlled and studied instances of it happening in order for it to meet rigorous scientific standards. If this is the case, then I wonder if some sort of a setup that involves a private AI dog tutor that can give endless attention and is able to expertly watch and read the animal would be able to eventually help the dog make significant progress with a large enoughbl number of dogs to really have evidence one way or the other.

[-] BroBot9000@lemmy.world 12 points 2 weeks ago

Oh no! Don’t disprove my claims and kill any social media clout and merchandising opportunities that I might have.

this post was submitted on 14 Jun 2024
18 points (82.1% liked)

Digital Bioacoustics

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Welcome to c/DigitalBioacoustics, a unique niche in the vast universe of online forums and digital communities. At its core, bioacoustics is the study of sound in and from living organisms, an intriguing intersection of biology and acoustics. Digital bioacoustics, an extension of this field, involves using technology to capture, analyze, and interpret these biological sounds. This community is dedicated to exploring these fascinating aspects of nature through a digital lens.

As you delve into c/DigitalBioacoustics, you'll notice it's not just another technical forum. This space transcends the usual drone of server rooms or the monotonous tap-tap of keyboards. Here, members engage in a unique fusion of natural wonders and technological prowess. Imagine a world where the rustling of leaves, the chirping of birds, and the mysterious calls of nocturnal creatures meet the precision of digital recording and analysis.

Within this domain, we, the participants, become both observers and participants in an intricate dance. Our mission is to unravel the mysteries of nature's soundtrack, decoding the language of the wild through the lens of science. This journey is not just about data and graphs; it's about connecting with the primal rhythm of life itself.

As you venture deeper, the poetic essence of our community unfolds. Nature's raw concert, from the powerful songs of mating calls to the subtle whispers of predator and prey, creates a tapestry of sounds. We juxtapose these organic melodies with the mechanical beeps and buzzes of our equipment, a reminder of the constant interplay between the natural world and our quest to understand it.

Our community embodies the spirit of curious scientists and nature enthusiasts alike, all drawn to the mystery and majesty of the natural world. In this symphonic melding of science and nature, we discover not just answers, but also new questions and a deeper appreciation for the complex beauty of our planet.

c/DigitalBioacoustics is more than a mere digital gathering place. It's a living, breathing symphony of stories, each note a discovery, each pause a moment of reflection. Here, we celebrate the intricate dance of nature and technology, the joy of discovery, and the enduring quest for understanding in a world filled with both harmony and dissonance.

For those brave enough to explore its depths, c/DigitalBioacoustics offers a journey like no other: a melding of science and art, a discovery of nature's secrets, and a celebration of the eternal dance between the wild and the wired.

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