Viewing nature imagery on screens improves human health and well-being
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
confidence 87/100
Multiple experimental studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses consistently show that viewing nature imagery through screens, virtual reality, or digital windows helps reduce stress and improve psychological well-being.
Evidence for · 8
Comparative Study of the Restorative Effects of Forest and Urban Videos during COVID-19 Lockdown: Intrinsic and Benchmark Values
2020 · cited by 79
Virtual forest videos effectively reduced perceived anxiety levels during lockdown.
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More for · 7
Window Access to Nature Restores: A Virtual Reality Experiment with Greenspace Views, Sounds, and Smells
2022 · cited by 37
Virtual reality nature views provided restorative benefits and mental clarity in busy indoor environments.
The effects of digital nature and actual nature on stress reduction: A meta-analysis and systematic review
2024 · cited by 20
A meta-analysis confirmed that digital natural environments provide stress recovery comparable to actual nature exposures.
Effects of Window Green View Index on Stress Recovery of College Students from Psychological and Physiological Aspects
2024 · cited by 18
Virtual reality window green views significantly improved stress recovery and physiological indicators among students.
Understanding the Influence of Window Views, Plantscapes, and Green Décor in Virtual Reality Hospital Rooms on Simulated Acute-Care Patients’ Stress Recovery and Relaxation Responses
2025 · cited by 6
Verdant nature views and green elements in virtual environments were associated with high restorative utility and relaxation.
Connecting to Nature through 360° Videos during COVID-19 Confinement: A Pilot Study of a Brief Psychological Intervention
2022 · cited by 4
A brief 360-degree video nature intervention significantly decreased negative affect and improved well-being during confinement.
Influence of virtual reality restorative environments on psychological well-being in university students: an evidence-based experimental study
2025 · cited by 3
Virtual reality restorative environments demonstrated significant positive effects on psychological recovery and stress reduction.
A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of virtual reality nature effects on higher education students' mental health and wellbeing.
2025 · cited by 2
A systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that virtual reality nature interventions show promise for improving mental health and well-being.