Exploring the Therapeutic and Educational Potential of Digital Nature: Highlights from PT 2023
At the Positive Technology International Conference 2023 (PT 2023), researchers from the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore and the Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab (IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano) presented a compelling study titled "The Potential of Digital Nature on Mental Health and Environmental Learning: Opportunities and Challenges." This contribution, authored by Eleonora Diletta Sarcinella, Alice Chirico, Katusha Gerardini, and Andrea Gaggioli, explored how emerging digital technologies—particularly mobile applications and virtual reality (VR)—can foster human-nature connection and promote psychological well-being and environmental awareness.
Reconnecting Humans and Nature in the Digital Age
Modern lifestyles, especially in urban contexts, have led to a growing disconnection from natural environments, contributing to physical inactivity, emotional dysregulation, and cognitive fatigue. In response to these concerns, the authors propose a paradigm shift: leveraging technology not merely as a source of distraction, but as a tool for restoring our connection to nature. Framed within the Positive Technology model (Riva et al., 2012), this approach explores how digital solutions can enhance hedonic (pleasure), eudaimonic (meaning), and social (connectedness) dimensions of well-being.
Nature-Inspired Digital Applications
The study identifies and classifies various nature-themed digital applications based on their psychological function and target audience. Hedonic apps such as Calm and Headspace employ natural imagery and soundscapes to reduce stress and improve sleep quality. Eudaimonic tools like iNaturalist and PlantSnap encourage environmental education and biodiversity exploration, thereby fostering personal growth and sustainable attitudes. Social-oriented platforms, including Strava and Nature Today, promote collective engagement and knowledge sharing related to nature and physical activity.
These applications not only support individual mental health but also cultivate environmental stewardship by blending technology with ecological awareness.
The Promise of Virtual Nature in Mental Health
Virtual reality is emerging as a powerful medium for simulating restorative natural environments. The authors review a growing body of evidence showing that immersive digital nature experiences can replicate many of the psychological benefits associated with real-world exposure—such as reductions in stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, and improvements in mood, vitality, and cognitive functioning.
Virtual nature is particularly promising for individuals with limited access to outdoor environments, such as urban residents, elderly populations, or people with physical disabilities. However, issues like cybersickness, variability in immersion quality, and the absence of multisensory input (e.g., smell, touch) still present significant challenges for widespread adoption.
From Well-Being to Pro-Environmental Behavior
Beyond individual health benefits, virtual nature experiences can also promote sustainable behaviors. By eliciting complex emotions such as awe and ecological concern, immersive simulations can enhance environmental empathy and motivate behavioral change. For instance, VR applications that vividly illustrate the effects of deforestation, climate change, or ocean pollution have been shown to increase pro-environmental intentions more effectively than traditional educational formats.
Design Guidelines for Effective Digital Nature Experiences
Drawing from empirical findings, the authors recommend several best practices for developers of digital nature content:
- Prefer computer-generated (CG) scenarios over 360° videos to enhance immersion and emotional engagement.
- Prioritize visual aesthetics and natural sound design to maximize restorative effects.
- Incorporate interactive and multisensory elements to foster presence and agency.
- Mitigate cybersickness through careful motion design and hardware calibration.
- Align interventions with validated theoretical models, such as the Positive Technology framework, to ensure rigor in evaluation and outcome measurement.
Conclusions and Future Directions
This research underscores the potential of digital nature as a tool for mental health promotion, environmental education, and behavior change. While technological, methodological, and ethical challenges remain, digital nature represents a promising frontier in both psychological science and ecological advocacy.
As technological capabilities evolve, future developments should aim for a balanced integration of innovation, inclusivity, and ecological integrity—ensuring that the digital augmentation of nature serves not only human flourishing but also the sustainability of the natural world.