Virtual Reality of Nature Can Be as Effective as Actual Nature in Promoting Ecological Behavior

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to better understand the relationship between virtual nature experiences and ecological behavior. Participants (n = 57) were gathered in three experimental groups. The first was a control group that did not participate in a nature experience and was asked to complete a survey. The second was a nature condition that participated in a self-guided hike and completed surveys before and after the experience. The third group was a virtual nature group that participated in a virtual nature experience through head-mounted displays and completed surveys before and after their experience. All three groups were asked if they would like to sign a letter to a senator that would support ecological behavior after their various experiences. Linear mixed modeling revealed that both the nature condition and the virtual nature condition had a significant effect on ecological behavior when compared with the control condition. Virtual reality of nature may be as effective as actual nature in promoting ecological behavior.