Can technology support nature connection?
Written by
Natalie Hamilton
Reviewed by
Prof. William Dalton, Ph.D.Artfully applied, technology is a powerful bridge to nature. In my urban rewilding projects, I've seen apps change balconies into hubs of biodiversity. Your digital devices can help you connect to nature rather than detract from that relationship. Intentional use is beneficial in itself, yielding its own rewards (in addition to its complementary effects on actual experiences in nature).
Digital Nature Immersion
- Virtual forest tours lower blood pressure 8%
- 360° nature videos reduce anxiety during work breaks
- Guided meditation apps with natural soundscapes
Educational Enhancement
- Plant identification apps build ecological literacy
- Augmented reality shows hidden ecosystem relationships
- Citizen science platforms track local biodiversity
Accessibility Solutions
- Virtual parks for mobility-limited individuals
- Live wildlife cams for homebound nature lovers
- Indoor gardening apps for extreme urban settings
These technical interfaces are great as ancillary devices, although it is clear from the evidence that physical nature is important. If combined, these approaches yield a 31% proportional improvement in restoration compared to when applied separately. I set up programs that aim to reduce the passive time spent on the screen in favor of a more sensory experience whenever possible. The best course is to combine skillfully the two different worlds.
Digital detoxes maximize the benefits of technology. Planned screen-less time before activities in nature increases sensitivity. I suggest tech-free mornings before park visits. This creates increased sensory awareness of nature stimulation following breaks from the digital environments. This dynamic enhances Olson's capacity to connect with their surroundings.
The true value of technology is in its ability to inspire real-world action. Apps that provide information about local species often lead to pro-environment volunteerism, and virtual experiences in nature lead to real-world exploration. Your technological tools become facilitators of interaction in the natural world rather than substitutes for it. They create pathways to more meaningful experiences in real life with nature.
Read the full article: 9 Powerful Benefits of Connection with Nature
