Background: Immersive technologies may be an avenue to explore the construct of human–nature connection more thoroughly and without some of the obstacles to accessing nature in-person. Purpose: The aim of this project was to discover if self-exposure to immersive virtual nature can lead to any change in nature connectedness. Methodology/Approach: Participants were recruited from the Texas State University campus and randomized into three experimental conditions: a filmed library or nature experience, and an in-nature experience. 360-degree videos of a nature preserve and the university library were projected within a head-mounted display in a laboratory setting. Results of pre- and postsurvey data were compared between experimental groups. Findings/Conclusions: Pairwise comparisons with the Nature Relatedness Scale indicated that participants in the in-nature experience reported significantly stronger beliefs about their connection to nature than those in either virtual condition. With respect to the State of Independence with Nature Scale, planned pairwise comparisons indicated that between participants in the in-nature experience and the virtual nature experience did not differ. Implications: This study suggests that to connect with nature, one should spend time there. In addition, here data support that a virtual immersive nature experience can affect a state-dependent measurement of nature connection, and even equal that of an in-nature experience.

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The planet is experiencing human-caused environmental degradation at an alarming rate (Obery & Bangert, 2017). An innate human affinity for nature has been theorized and supported through various observable benefits and outcomes produced through interactions with nature (Kellert & Wilson, 1993;Wilson, 1984). Connection with nature has been suggested to improve human behavior toward nature (Nisbet et al., 2009). It has long been assumed that to connect with nature, a person must spend time in nature, and human impact of venturing into natural spaces can result in disturbance or damage. For many, experiencing nature comes with associated costs and often requires physical abilities or additional resources that can limit participation. Privileged with a lack of physical impact, relatively low consumer costs, and few physical barriers, virtual immersive experiences may provide impactful and expanded opportunity for people to connect with nature. The purpose of this study was determine if participants using a head-mounted display could experience nature connection.