The concept of technobiophilia suggests that digital technologies can help people feel more connected to nature and increase environmental awareness. As Oe et al. (2022) state, “digital contact with nature in cyberspace has the potential to increase our attachment and admiration for nature and, in turn, our interest in environmental issues” (p. 1). However, this optimistic perspective can be reconsidered through Jurgenson’s (2012) concept of augmented reality, which challenges the idea that the digital and physical worlds are separate.
As Jurgenson argues, “the digital and physical [are] enmeshed” (p. 88), meaning that our experiences are always shaped by both dimensions at the same time. From this perspective, digital experiences of nature do not simply strengthen our relationship with the environment, but also reshape how nature is perceived and understood. This raises a potential concern: nature may become something that is consumed through screens rather than directly experienced.
While technobiophilia assumes that digital exposure leads to more environmentally responsible behavior, the concept of augmented reality highlights that these experiences are always embedded within broader social and technological systems. As a result, digital nature may create only a temporary feeling of connection rather than meaningful engagement. This leads to a critical question: do digital technologies truly encourage real-world environmental action, or do they simply offer a simulation of connection to nature?
Finally, the accompanying image, generated with the assistance of ChatGPT, visually reflects how digital technologies can create a powerful yet potentially superficial sense of connection to nature, highlighting the tension between simulation and real-world environmental engagement.
Jurgenson, N. (2012). When atoms meet bits: Social media, the mobile web and augmented revolution. Future internet, 4(1), 83-91.
Oe, H., Yamaoka, Y., & Weeks, M. (2022). Technobiophilia: Nature and human interactions in the digital age. Cogent Arts & Humanities, 9(1), 2068823.
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