Experience the Psychological Benefits of Nature through HD TV
The old adage that TV is bad for your health has recently been challenged by environmental psychologists, who carried out research to explore the psychological benefits of high definition TV.
The experiments carried out by Peter Kahn and colleagues at the University of Washington were specifically concerned with nature shows, which now bring viewers closer than ever before to the natural world thanks to the advent of high definition TV. The experimenters sought to examine whether high definition views of nature – broadcast on plasma televisions substituting for windows – would have a beneficial effect on office workers.
After 16 weeks, the experiment was deemed a success, as workers who had been exposed to views of parkland and mountains over the period were found to think more clearly, enjoy a greater sense of wellbeing, and feel a closer connection to the world outside than those who had not enjoyed such a view – regardless of whether that world was a televised representation.
While TV may never provide a connection as strong as experiencing nature first-hand, the results were vital in demonstrating how the brain responds positively to well-defined images of nature, something that could be especially useful for those living in urban environments separated from the natural world.
An earlier study by Marc Berman of the University of Michigan demonstrated the comparative effects on wellbeing from natural stimuli, such as trees, plants and fresh air, which were found to have a much more relaxing and positive effect than the more dramatic stimuli of urban environments, where workers tend to find it harder to unwind and de-stress at the end of a long day.
Fortunately for those living in urban environments, with restricted access to nature, the wide selection of TV shows now available in high definition that focus on the natural world could provide something of an answer. With luminaries such as David Attenborough continuing to bring the natural world closer to viewers than ever before, in his upcoming film Flying Monsters 3D with Sky, there are now more options than ever for those hoping to switch on in order to switch off.
The acclaimed presenter’s recent series Life examined some of the world’s most fascinating species up close, and is available in high definition on channels such as Sky HD. Rather than giving viewers ‘square eyes’, high definition TV could be helping city dwellers enjoy the psychological benefits of exploring the wide world from the comfort of their own armchairs.
Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
About the Author
Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
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