Potential of location-based games in increasing adolescents’ well-being and connection with nature

Abstract

While the benefits of nature on our well-being are increasingly recognized, there is increasing concern over young people’s decreasing physical activity, well-being, and connection with nature. One way to promote them could be technology-based forms of outdoor recreation, such as location-based games. Based on survey and interview data, this study examines how 10 days of participating in geocaching or playing location-based mobile games affects Finnish adolescents’ (n = 23) perceived well-being and nature connection. Follow-up survey data were collected one year after. Based on the quantitative results, participants’ positive affect increased during the period of playing. The qualitative findings further indicated that playing the games had benefits on adolescents’ mood, physical activity, and social interaction. The findings showed positive effects on adolescents’ nature-related curiosity and willingness to spend time outdoors. The results indicate the potential of location-based games in enhancing young people’s well-being and promoting their engagement with nature.