Module 7 delves into the intriguing concept of Technobiophilia, exploring the interplay between nature, technology, and human well-being. It examines the biophilia hypothesis, which posits an innate human affinity for the natural world, and how this intersects with our digital lives. The module encourages students to critically analyze the relationship between nature and technology, and consider how narratives of nature and technology influence each other.
Learning Outcomes:
Evaluate the biophilia hypothesis and its implications for human well-being in the digital age.
Analyze the relationship between nature and technology, especially in the context of technobiophilia.
Compare and contrast narratives of technology with narratives of nature, understanding their interdependencies.
Sue Thomas (2018), "Nature and Wellbeing in the Digital Age":
This book offers practical ways to balance digital life with natural elements, addressing the human need to connect with nature. It emphasizes how technology can coexist with nature, enhancing well-being without necessitating digital disconnection.
Hiroko Oe, Yasuyuki Yamaoka & Max Weeks (2022), "Technobiophilia":
This article explores the concept of technobiophilia, discussing the interactions between nature and humans in the digital age. It sheds light on how digital advancements can harmonize with natural elements for improved human experiences.
YouTube Video (2021), "Technobiophilia - Life, Nature and Technology":
This video provides an engaging visual and conceptual exploration of technobiophilia. It presents various perspectives on how technology and nature intersect, influencing life and well-being.
Bjork's "Sacrifice [Death Grips Remix]" (2012), Biophilia on SoundCloud:
This track from Bjork’s Biophilia project merges music with themes of nature and technology, offering an artistic interpretation of technobiophilia. It exemplifies how modern art forms can embody and communicate complex interactions between nature and technology.
Sue Thomas (2013), "A Place So New that Some Things Still Lack Names" and "Next Nature":
These writings delve into the depths of technobiophilia, discussing how digital spaces can integrate natural elements. Thomas provides a philosophical and practical framework for understanding the synergy between the digital and the natural.
Cath O’Connell (2018), "Technologies Inspired by Nature" in Cosmos Magazine:
This article discusses various technologies that draw inspiration from nature, demonstrating the practical applications of the biophilia hypothesis in technological innovation.
Popiel (2020), "The Digital Connection in Nature, Technology, and World Creation":
Popiel’s work explores the philosophical aspects of technobiophilia, discussing how digital and natural elements co-create new worlds and experiences. It provides a deeper understanding of the symbiotic relationship between technology and nature.
Technobiophilia is an interesting concept, but I’ll admit that I’m a little skeptical about the extent of its benefits. As I’ve mentioned, I grew up in the wide-open spaces of Northern, BC. While the Peace River region isn’t always the most glamorous, it certainly has its outdoorsy appeal. It’s still far away enough from large cities that you can smell oncoming rain, see the dancing Northern Lights in the winter without the interference of electric light, and hear the croaking of frogs or the occasional hoot of an owl in the summer evening. And it’s not just the sights and sounds. In the summer, a warm wind can turn cool in a matter of moments as the sun dips, and that first breath of cold, winter air on a sub -30 day is always an experience (not necessarily a good one- kind of like being stabbed in the lung). Will virtual nature ever really be able to provide the same sensations?
ReplyDeleteMaybe in the same way that a light therapy lamp mimicking sunlight can help those with seasonal affective disorder, virtual nature can do the same to an extent. Perhaps our brains can be tricked into the benefits of nature because simulated nature is better than no nature at all, but I doubt it will ever replace the experience of the real thing.
I did a bit of research to see if I could find anything to prove or disprove my thoughts on virtual nature and this is what I found.
There have been plenty of studies demonstrating the benefits of nature on our physical and psychological well-being, but limited research on how we’re affected by virtual nature (Bartels, 2023; Gordon, 2030). Initial studies are promising, demonstrating increases in positive emotions and a reduction of negative feelings such as anxiety and depression when exposed to virtual nature (Gordon, 2020). However, there are still many unknowns. For starters, an idyllic nature scenario is going to vary based on the individual (Gordon, 2020). A tailored scenario is likely best, meaning cookie-cutter virtual nature settings may not be effective for everybody (Gordon, 2020). Second, the definition of nature is abstract (Bartels, 2023). We do not know how much or what kind of nature provides the most benefits (Bartels, 2023). And lastly, as I alluded to in the first part of my post, nature is a multisensorial experience (Bartels, 2023). Can we ever fully mimic what nature brings to our senses with virtual reality, and if we can, how do we know which parts are most essential? It’s an interesting field of study that still has a long way to go.
Bartels, M. (2023, July 14.) Can Virtual Reality Mimic Nature’s Power to Make Us Healthier? Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/can-virtual-reality-mimic-natures-power-to-make-us-healthier/
Gordon, L. (2020, April 28). Can virtual nature be a good substitute for the great outdoors? The science says yes. Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/2020/04/28/can-virtual-nature-be-good-substitute-great-outdoors-science-says-yes/
Also, this post was actually written by Brandon Wladyko. I'm going to have to find this "Anonymous" and see why he or she is plagiarizing me.
DeleteHi Brandon! (And the infamous plagiarizer, anonymous!) Your research on virtual nature and it's effects is fascinating! While I don't think we can mimic the multisensorial experience of physically being in nature, I have come to think that virtual nature does offer the next best thing, especially for those without immediate and ongoing access to actual nature itself. I think of people in dire situations (like war, or jail) who may be so detached from nature that these virtual landscapes are what feed that "biophilic impulse" (Thomas). It will be interesting to see what other research comes out from the field of virtual nature!
DeleteThank you for yet another thought-provoking and engaging post!
The love for nature is an inherent human instinct, which Erich Fromm referred to as “Biophilia” (Thomas, S., 2014). As Thomas (2018) states, “Our DNA contains the history of the Earth.” The fast-paced life in cities increasingly leads to fatigue and struggle, and returning to nature—whether by going to the countryside, the mountains, or the seaside for a vacation—seems to be the best choice for relaxation in modern society. However, due to the physical distance between natural landscapes and urban residences, as well as the constraints of city-daily life, it is difficult to always enjoy the comfort that nature provides. It feels like we are separated from the natural world. Technologies, it seems, can help heal the rift between us and our planet (Thomas, S., 2018).
ReplyDeleteCurrently, video creations on social media focused on the relationship between humans and nature are also a manifestation of “Biophilia.” Recording rural life with a camera and posting the videos on social media has become a common choice for many influencers. In 2017, a Chinese online video creator, Liziqi, became an internet sensation on YouTube. The Liziqi channel primarily showcases her daily life against the backdrop of rural China and idyllic landscapes. In the videos, we often hear the sounds of dogs barking, birds chirping, and rivers flowing, and we can see natural landscapes such as mountains, rivers, persimmon trees, and pomegranate flowers. Currently, her channel has over 26 million subscribers. One user commented, “This is the life I want. No getting up early to the rush of traffic but getting up early to fresh air. I truly believed that my depression would go away if I could live like this” (Aleayk1472, 2021). This not only reflects people's yearning for a natural life but also shows how we can use technological means to rediscover the natural elements lost in urban life. These elements can, to some extent, relieve our stress while stay wellness (YouTube, 2021).
From a broader perspective, Technobiophilia can also reshape and enrich our understanding of nature (YouTube, 2021). For instance, through the Liziqi channel, I learned how the mushrooms, sugarcane, and salt we consume are cultivated from natural products and then processed into usable forms. This knowledge is something I, especially those who grew up in cities, did not know before. Through these technological means, we can personally understand such natural knowledge. In addition, the concept of Technobiophilia also helps in the development of political issues such as climate change. Hiroko Oe, Yasuyuki Yamaoka, and Max Weeks argue that modern technology is a tool with predictive and simulation functions, which can simulate the serious consequences of climate change. The fear brought by this simulation can increase people's awareness of climate change and change their behaviors (Oe, Yamaoka, & Weeks, 2022).
Although people can feel the benefits brought by Technobiophilia, using electronic devices often comes with a sense of guilt and fear (Thomas, S., 2018). This fear and guilt may stem from doubts about the uncertainty of technological changes, discomfort with the changes, and the sense of nihilism associated with technology. Technology is not meant to change our real lives but to create entirely different “real” worlds, like the “Aphrodite born from the foam” (Popiel, A., 2020). In the future, the boundaries between the real and virtual worlds will become increasingly blurred. Our negative perceptions of Technobiophilia will also be alleviated as this boundary disappears.
References：
DeleteAleayk1472. (2025, March 23). This is the life I want. No getting up early to the rush of traffic but getting up early to fresh air. I truly believed that my depression would go away if I could live like this (Comment on the video May the red, red persimmons bring you a happy, prosperous new year!). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKIXHn3kDL0
Oe, H., Yamaoka, Y., & Weeks, M. (2022). Technobiophilia: Nature and human interactions in the digital age. Cogent Arts & Humanities, 9(1), 2068823. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311983.2022.2068823
Popiel, A. (2020). The digital connection in nature, technology and world creation. Flusser Studies, 29, 1–9.
Thomas, S. (2013). Next nature: ‘Nature caused by people’. Journal of Professional Communication, 3(2), Article 5. http://digitalcommons.mcmaster.ca/jpc/vol3/iss2/5
Thomas, S. (2018). Nature and wellbeing in the digital age: How to feel better without logging off. https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B06XS85C26/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=sl1&tag=technobiop08b-21&linkId=212ce712bbeec36f26677071ec9f8907
YouTube. (2021, April 17). Technobiophilia - life, nature and technology. YouTube. Retrieved December 1, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcb7debi4wE
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ReplyDeleteTechnology and nature are two different sides. On one side is the technological world of rapid iteration, artificial intelligence, cold machinery, and on the other side is the natural world that follows ancient laws, is simple, flesh, and full of vitality. But beyond the appearance, the two are actually closely intertwined, forming an inseparable symbiotic network. Just like the nature-inspired technologies mentioned in O’Connell’s article, such as “Hive Mind Grid,” “Shark Skin,” “Bullet Train Kingfisher,” and “Termite Buildings.” This also reminds me of the more than 150 infrared cameras in the Zibaishan National Nature Reserve in Shaanxi Province in China, which are like loyal guards, hidden in the mountains and forests. They stand guard day and night, patiently recording every appearance of wild animals in a non-invasive way. The 24 self-organizing infrared cameras are equipped with advanced intelligent recognition functions, which can transmit monitoring data to the management center of the reserve in real time. Drones are also regularly launched to perform missions. With their high-altitude vision, they can not only track the migration routes of wild animals, but also detect potential fire hazards in a timely manner. Once an abnormality is found, the information is quickly fed back to provide precious time for the staff of the reserve to deal with it.
ReplyDeleteHowever, speaking of the concept I first learned in this module: “Technobiophilia”, “Sue Thomas in her book Technobiophilia: Nature and Cyberspace (2013) observes virtual exposure to nature could be stimulating and rejuvenating” (Sen 2022). At the same time, “Technobiophilia is the innate tendency to focus on life and vital processes as they appear in technology” (Oe et al., 2022). For me, the concept of “Technobiophilia” is applied to my daily life when I finish my study tasks for the day. I will choose to open social media softwares to watch some natural scenery. I think this can heal my fatigue for the day on the one hand, and give me motivation to live on the other hand. Even though I know that I am just watching all this through the screen, it provides me with a sense of satisfaction for wanting to have close contact with nature to a great extent. Moreover, I actually subconsciously choose natural scenery as the screen wallpaper of my mobile phone and computer. I like the moment when I open them and see this gorgeous natural images. “The importance of technobiophilia lies in its vast power in the field of social sciences in encouraging and promoting pro-environmental behaviour” (Sen 2022). I don’t think any of us want to see the beautiful environment we see on our mobile screens and then discover that the real environment is destroyed when we have the chance to visit the real place. “Technobiophilia” makes us rethink the boundary between virtual experience and real-world action: we immerse ourselves in digital representations of nature, which is not an escape from reality, but it keeps the concept of protecting the environment rooted in our minds.
References:
O’Connell, Cath, (2018). Technologies Inspired by Nature, Cosmos Magazine. Retrieved from: https://cosmosmagazine.com/technology/technologies-inspired-by-nature.
Oe, H., Yamaoka, Y., & Weeks, M. (2022b). Technobiophilia: Nature and human interactions in the digital age. Cogent Arts and Humanities, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/23311983.2022.2068823.
Sen, S. (2022). The evolution from biophilia to technobiophilia. Harvest, 7(2), 48-50.
Hi Ruolan! I noticed we used one of the same articles - small, Technobiophilic world! I did enjoy reading the excerpts and points you used, as I hadn't focused on them so it was nice to re-visit them through your post.
DeleteI resonate with you seeking out natural scenery online - I find myself falling into a similar pattern where I try to find calming images of mountains, wildlife, or rain to self soothe after a long day. Even sounds of rain or the ocean in the background of videos help me decompress.
Thanks for such an articulate and awesome post!
Initially, I found Technobiophilia to be a word as difficult for me to pronounce as it was to stomach. I feel like my entire life, I have considered technology and life (specifically, nature) to be very separate; there is the digital world, and then there is the physical world. However, this module has made me deconstruct those notions and see them as being bridged together by us, the human mediators that fuse technology into life, and vice versa.
ReplyDeleteThe definition of Technobiophilia being “the innate tendency to focus on life and vital processes as they appear in technology” (Oe et al., 2) really helped me piece it further, with Thomas’ video interview giving more examples of how the two worlds collide. I especially found the discussion of our biophilic impulses and how they manifest in our tech-lingo - like clouds, streams, and web (Popiel, 8) - very powerful, along with the tips on how to incorporate more nature into our more computer-facing and stationery work lives. (Most of my screen savers are indeed of natural landscapes – I am still hunting for a seashell to use as a fidget toy, though!) O’Connel’s text made me think of ways my own creations connect with the natural world. I may not be inspired by gecko skin or mimicking African termite mounds in architecture, but my most calming and joyful art creations are grounded in nature, from little ladybug earrings to painting mountain landscapes I’d like to escape to. Even my music feels more real and profound when I listen to it outside in the cool morning air. By the end of the module, I finally realized what Thomas meant when she stated that Technobiophilia is about “re-balancing your life by choosing more nature, not less technology.”
However, there are some parts of this module that I did not wholly agree with (or perhaps just didn’t yet understand well). Mainly in the second reading, in regards to climate change. Oe et al. stated that there will be “awareness-raising and behaviour change [catalyzed by] viewing virtual worlds without leaving home” (7). They emphasized that there will be “support for future biodiversity through the proximity of technology and nature” (2) and a focus on sustainability in urban development (3) through Technobiophilia. This, I couldn’t fully wrap my head around. Technology consumes so much energy, especially recent AI developments, so how can it be associated with saving the planet as well?
After doing some more research, I understood the benefits the virtual worlds has on our planet. Digital technology can allow us to do things like better engage with climate change scenarios, reduce our carbon footprint, and witness firsthand the drastic impact of climate change. While I still think technology has a giant impact on our environment, I recognize that it also has tons of potential to do good for our planet through raising awareness and influencing behaviours, as Oe et al. suggested. Another article I found summed it up best by stating: “Technobiophilia in action for climate change could be excellently utilized to experience nature and its fierceness in a fictional setting in cyberspace to fully gauge the magnitude of disaster and impending doom of the climate change impact” (Sen, 49).
Overall, Technobiophilia gives me hope that both the digital world and physical world can live in harmony, even benefitting one another. The key is that we, as the human bridge, must not only recognize but also nurture the vital role nature plays in both our “ecopsychology” (Sen, 48) and the media landscapes we create.
Works Cited
Delete“How Digital Technology Can Help Adapt Your Business for Climate Change.” BDC.ca, 9 Oct. 2024, www.bdc.ca/en/articles-tools/sustainability/environment/how-digital-technology-can-help-adapt-your-business-climate-change.
McCrone, Flora. “Immersive Technology Can Help Us Engage in Climate Dialogue.” World Economic Forum, 4 May 2024, www.weforum.org/stories/2024/05/immersive-technology-vr-ar-metaverse-climate-dialogue/.
O’Connell, Cathal. “Technologies Inspired by Nature.” Cosmos, 9 July 2018, cosmosmagazine.com/technology/technologies-inspired-by-nature.
Oe, Hiroko et al. “Technobiophilia: Nature and Human Interactions in the Digital Age.” Cogent Arts & Humanities, vol. 9, no. 1, Dec. 2022. EBSCOhost, https://doi.org/10.1080/23311983.2022.2068823.
Popiel, Anne. “The Digital Connection in Nature, Technology and World Creation.” Flusser Studies, no. 29, Jan. 2020, pp. 1–9. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=hlh&AN=143470806&site=eds-live&scope=site.
Sen, Supatra. "The evolution from biophilia to technobiophilia." Harvest 7.2 (2022): 48-50.
The Journal of Biophilic Design. “Technobiophilia - Life, Nature and Technology.” YouTube, 17 Apr. 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcb7debi4wE.
Thomas, Sue. Nature and Wellbeing in the Digital Age, Amazon Kindle, https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B06XS85C26/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=sl1&ta g=technobiop08b-21&linkId=212ce712bbeec36f26677071ec9f8907, Foreword.
UBC. “Exploring the Arctic’s Climate Crisis Through Virtual Reality.” UBC Faculty of Forestry, 6 Dec. 2023, forestry.ubc.ca/news/arctic-climate-crisis-through-virtual-reality.