This Chimp Knows How To Use Instagram Better Than Us (And It's Slightly Terrifying)

Probably has more followers, too...

Lying on your bed scrolling through Instagram for the hundredth time that day – and losing track of time – might make you feel more robot than human.

But it seems we’re not the only ones who get aimlessly fixated on the ’gram, as a chimp has been filmed using the platform with zero problems or confusion.

The one minute video, which has been widely shared on social media, shows the chimpanzee flicking back and forth between different screens and panning through a feed of animal photographs and videos.

Here's a video of a Chimpanzee using Instagram. It's eye-opening. https://t.co/FEfIgQSGa6 pic.twitter.com/d9AjhfPNN1

— Daniel Sinclair (@_DanielSinclair) April 25, 2019

The clip has been compared to one of a young baby using an iPad, where the infant seems to instinctively know how to use the technology without help.

We'll have a name for this reflex someday. pic.twitter.com/UYrtOcFM0b

— Daniel Sinclair (@_DanielSinclair) March 29, 2019

Responses have been mixed. Some people are impressed by the monkey’s ability to use the technology...

It is actually making choices of which video is interested to watch. Amazing.

— Jamal Yusuf (@jamal_yusuf) April 25, 2019

Omg the way he uses his hands looks so human!

— Darwin (@galapagos1923) April 25, 2019

While others are unnerved seeing an animal using an iPhone with such grace and ease...

WTF!

— Jordi Arranz 🎗️ (@Daimakaimura) April 25, 2019

However, some animal rights campaigners have raised concerns, including the Jane Goodall Institute in the US, which works in chimpanzee conservation.

“I am very disappointed to see the inappropriate portrayal of a juvenile chimpanzee in this video which is currently circulating on social media,” said Dr Jane Goodall in a statement.

“Chimpanzees are highly social animals, very intelligent and have complex emotions like humans – it is imperative that we portray them appropriately and that they receive the best possible care in captive environments.”

This article was amended on 26 April to include a comment from Dr Jane Goodall.

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