Immersive Technology and Nature Connection

Abstract

The planet is experiencing human-caused environmental degradation at an alarming rate (Obery & Bangert, 2017). An innate human affinity for nature has been theorized and supported through various observable benefits and outcomes produced through interactions with nature (Kellert & Wilson, 1993; Wilson, 1984). Connection with nature has been suggested to improve human behavior toward nature (Nisbet et al., 2009). It has long been assumed that to connect with nature, a person must spend time in nature, and human impact of venturing into natural spaces can result in disturbance or damage. For many, experiencing nature comes with associated costs and often requires physical abilities or additional resources that can limit participation. Privileged with a lack of physical impact, relatively low consumer costs, and few physical barriers, virtual immersive experiences may provide impactful and expanded opportunity for people to connect with nature. The purpose of this study was determine if participants using a head-mounted display could experience nature connection.