| Phenomena | Virtual forest bathing: Can virtual reality applications promote well-being?

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Psychology

Virtual forest bathing: Can virtual reality applications promote well-being?

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Virtual forest bathing, a concept that originated in Japan (Shinrin Yoku), refers to immersing oneself in nature to promote mental and physical health. With the advent of virtual reality (VR), scientists and developers have begun to implement this concept digitally. VR applications allow users to experience immersive forest environments without having to be physically in a specific location.

The connection between virtual reality and digital well-being is becoming increasingly clear. VR applications manage to engage the senses and create a pleasant, relaxing atmosphere that is associated with positive mood and reduced stress. Studies have shown that such immersive experiences have a calming effect and can help to reduce anxiety and increase overall wellbeing.

The interactions between the “virtual reality” and “digital wellbeing” nodes are crucial to understanding the edge phenomenon of virtual forest bathing. Virtual reality provides the technological means to make the benefits of forest bathing digitally accessible, while digital wellbeing is the goal promoted by these new technologies.

Comparability with analogue phenomena

The analog counterpart to virtual forest bathing is the traditional stay in the forest or in nature. These experiences are known to reduce stress and improve mood. However, the significant difference between the analog and digital versions lies in their accessibility and scalability.

While a visit to the real forest often depends on physical accessibility and weather conditions, VR applications can be used anytime and anywhere, making the natural environment accessible to everyone, regardless of their geographical location. Virtual forest bathing becomes digitally specific by enabling people with health restrictions or mobility issues to experience the calming effects of experiencing nature.

The main enablers that play a role here are “ubiquitous availability” and “increased changeability”. These characteristics of the digital world make it possible to offer nature experiences anywhere and at any time and to design the content of VR applications in such a way that they meet the needs of users.

Social relevance

The social relevance of virtual forest bathing is high, as it not only promotes individual well-being, but also represents a possible solution to the increasing problem of mental health in modern society. In times of increasing stress and mental illness, technology offers an innovative way to provide people with access to therapeutic experiences, even if they are unable to go out into nature (e.g. elderly people in care homes, hospital patients or prison inmates).

Sources

  1. Mostajeran, F. et al. (2021). Effects of exposure to immersive videos and photo slideshows of forest and urban environments. In: Scientific Reports 11(1) 3994.
  2. Miegel, F. et al. (2024). Digital nature: Unveiling the impact and safety of FlowVR group intervention for depression in a feasibility trial. In: Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica.
  3. Mostajeran, F. et al. (2023). Effects of exposure to immersive computer-generated virtual nature and control environments on affect and cognition. In: Scientific Reports 13(1), 220.
  4. Mostajeran, F. et al. (2023). Adding virtual plants leads to higher cognitive performance and psychological well-being in virtual reality. In: Scientific Reports 13(1), 8053.