Can nature be replaced by virtual reality (VR)?

I often get asked the question “Can virtual reality replace a nature-based experience?” There are certainly advantages to putting on a VR headset in your living room or workplace if you cannot access the outdoors but is it the same and do we get the same health and wellbeing outcomes?

We know from the research that the health and wellbeing benefits gained from contact with nature are largely derived from the type of experience, being influenced by a combination of factors such as how are senses are engaged, our level of comfort, social setting and the site attributes.

While VR can provide high accessibility to a range of global landscapes and assist with social interactions, if we want to optimize the wellbeing benefits, there are numerous real-life settings that cannot be replaced. For example, vitamin D from sunlight, breathing in phytoncides that boost our immune system and are emitted from trees, tactile investigation of objects, surprise from an unexpected encounter, total freedom from the self-conscious being, knowing your experience is unique and unpredictable all contribute to our experience.

Further to this studies have shown that VR demands high attention from our brain hence is not restorative, does not lend itself to those with visual impairment, can result in cybersickness, motion sickness (particularly for those with dementia and other neurocognitive issues) and is limited in building deeper emotional connections or genuine relationships, does not provide full sensory immersion and can lead to further social isolation.

So, although there is scope for nature VR to supplement experiences or for particular settings such as lack of mobility, vitamin N (nature) is most effectively achieved by experiencing the real thing..... and just as well for the planet!

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