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Does Digital Nature Enhance Social Aspirations? An Experimental Study.
Josca van Houwelingen-Snippe1, Thomas J L van Rompay1, Menno D T de Jong1
1Communication Science, University of Twente, De Zul 10, 7522 NJ Enschede, The Netherlands.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|February 28, 2020
Summary
Digital nature projections, especially spacious scenes, can boost social aspirations and awe. This technology offers a way to foster social connectedness for those with limited access to real nature.
Area of Science:
- Environmental psychology
- Human-computer interaction
- Digital well-being
Background:
- Loneliness and social isolation are growing societal concerns.
- Nature interaction is linked to improved social connectedness.
- Ambient technology can simulate nature experiences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if digital nature projections can stimulate social aspirations and related emotions.
- To explore the impact of scene characteristics (density, wildness vs. tended) and viewing conditions (individual vs. pairs) on these effects.
Main Methods:
- Ninety-six participants viewed digital nature projections (dense/spacious, wild/tended).
- Participants were assessed individually or in pairs.
- Questionnaires measured social aspirations, awe, and fascination.
Main Results:
- Spacious digital nature scenes significantly increased social aspiration and awe.
- These effects were more pronounced when participants viewed the scenes alone.
- No significant differences were found for dense scenes or between wild and tended nature depictions.
Conclusions:
- Digital nature projections, particularly spacious and solitary viewing experiences, can positively influence social aspirations and awe.
- Design implications suggest leveraging digital nature to enhance social connectedness for individuals with limited access to natural environments.
- Further research could explore long-term effects and diverse populations.
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