Faunalytics Study Finds “Animal Factory” Provokes Stronger Public Reaction Than “Factory Farm”

A study conducted by Faunalytics found that the term "animal factory" elicits a stronger negative reaction from US adults when compared to the more familiar "factory farm." Out of 1,049 participants surveyed, those shown the phrase "animal factory" reported a significantly more negative impression, with many associating it with animal cruelty, confinement, slaughter, and unsanitary conditions. Despite being less familiar than "factory farm," the term "animal factory" was found to carry a stronger negative charge while retaining similar recognition.

The study suggests that "animal factory" may be a promising term to use in campaigns, petitions, and educational materials to provoke a stronger reaction from the public. However, the authors caution against completely replacing "factory farm," emphasizing the importance of continuing to use the established term in scenarios where recognition is crucial. Additionally, the term "industrial animal agriculture" is recommended for more technical or policy-focused messaging rather than general public communication.