Impact of Nature Videos on Well-Being During the Pandemic
Introduction to the Study
Do you enjoy watching videos of cute animals on social media? Do you find that this activity helps alleviate stress? If so, you’re not alone. A recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology indicates that engaging with nature-related content on social media significantly supports well-being. Conducted by the University of Surrey, this study aimed to monitor well-being amidst the distress, uncertainty, and isolation experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Research Methodology
The researchers focused on two social media campaigns during the initial COVID-19 lockdown in Britain. The first campaign was the BBC’s Springwatch (2020), which featured various wildlife stories, photos, and videos. The second involved nature live stream videos by naturalist Chris Packham. From May to June 2020, the researchers analyzed public comments, reactions, and responses to these nature-related posts, which collectively garnered over 25 million views.
Emotional Responses to Nature Videos
The first criterion analyzed was the emotional responses elicited by nature-related posts on social media. Positive emotions such as joy, relaxation, and inspiration were frequently observed. However, negative emotions were also present. The researchers noted that allowing the expression of negative emotions like sadness and sympathy provided a crucial outlet for individuals, particularly during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cognitive Reflection Inspired by Nature Content
The second category examined cognitive reflections associated with nature-related content. This included discussions about human-nature interactions and the ways in which humans can contribute to nature’s well-being. Such discussions fostered a stronger sense of community, which was especially vital during the isolation experienced during the lockdown.
Stress Reduction Through Nature Videos
The third aspect analyzed was how nature-related content helped reduce stress during the pandemic. Many commenters expressed that watching these videos assisted them in coping with anxiety. For instance, teachers reported that viewing nature videos on social media helped them decompress after challenging days of online teaching. Others indicated that Chris Packham’s live streams made them feel less socially isolated, a common concern during the lockdown.
Importance of Understanding the Impact
Understanding how nature videos influence people’s mental health is essential. Dr. Shi (Tracy) Xu, the lead author of the study, emphasized, “This is an important piece of research that gives us insight into the impact of the pandemic and associated lockdowns on mental well-being. We know that poor mental well-being is a major issue for many people and has a significant impact on public health services. This study has deepened our understanding of the link between engaging with nature virtually via social media and well-being, suggesting these experiences may relate to well-being on a broader level.”
References
Xu, S. et al. (2021). #Springwatch #WildMorningswithChris: Engaging With Nature via Social Media and Wellbeing During the COVID-19 Lockdown. Frontiers in Psychology. Doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.701769.
Dyke, J. (2021). Watching nature videos on social media supported mental well-being during COVID-19 lockdown, finds study. EurekAlert! Accessed on Oct 20, 2021. Retrieved from https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/931618.
Image by StockSnap from Pixabay.