Enable, Reconnect and Augment: A New ERA of Virtual Nature Research and Application

Abstract

Being exposed to natural environments is associated with improved health and well-being, as these environments are believed to promote feelings of "being away" from everyday struggles, positive emotional reactions and stress reduction. Despite these positive effects, humanity is becoming increasingly more distanced from nature due to societal changes, such as increased urbanization and the reduced accessibility of natural environments. Technology is also partly to blame, as research suggests that people replace nature contact with increased screen time. In this cross-section between nature and technology, we find technological nature which is progressing towards a point where we may be capable of simulating exposure to real nature. Concerns have been raised regarding this technology, as it is feared it will replace real nature. However, research suggests that virtual nature may have a more positive impact on society than a mere replacement of real nature, and this review propose several areas where virtual nature may be a beneficial addition to actual nature (Enable), help people reconnect with the real natural world (Reconnect) and "boost" human-nature interactions (Augment). Based on the current research and theoretical framework, this review proposes guidelines for future research within these areas, with the aim of advancing the field by producing high quality research.

An Actual Natural Setting Improves Mood Better Than Its Virtual Counterpart: A Meta-Analysis of Experimental Data

“…Lastly, simulations are practical; they can be safely and quickly moved from one person or group to another or shared at little/no cost through online streaming. Specific contexts where simulated natural settings may be particularly valuable were recently reviewed by Litleskare et al ( 2020 ) and include palliative treatment in clinical settings, stress management in the workplace, mental health and cognitive development in school settings, and nature experiences for space missions. Personnel in other confined situations such as those found in submarines, Arctic and Antarctic polar bases, and medical imaging equipment like MRIs or CAT scans might also benefit from simulations (Anderson et al, 2017 ).…”

Social prescribing: a ‘natural’ community-based solution

“…Paradoxically, promoting a nature-based activity could help limit the negative emotional and mental impact of social distancing by supporting ways to engage with nature that enhance mood and reduce anxiety. Litleskare et al (2020) pointed out that exposure to natural environments, especially in times of struggles, can help reduce stress and promote feelings of being away, thus promoting nature as a multisensory intervention that could help alleviate stress and promote a sense of calm and wellbeing (Litleskare et al, 2020). Using nature-based solutions such as gardening as part of a social prescription to combat social distancing could help people who may not typically go outside to exercise, to view or be in nature.…”

Comparative Study of the Restorative Effects of Forest and Urban Videos during Covid-19 Lockdown: Intrinsic and Benchmark Value

“…Although virtual nature is unable to fully reproduce the effects of real nature [51][52][53][54], such as boosting immune functions due to exposure to phytoncides, immersive virtual nature (IVN) technologies could contribute to improve the physiological well-being of people that do not have direct access to nature [55,56], albeit only with short-term effects. Such approach could be useful for people whose contact with real nature is impeded or hazardous, such as individuals affected by physical disabilities, physiological and mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety and psychosis, and inpatients [57].…”