Ecology

Finding harmony between technology & nature

Amanda Markle
Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve

(7/2021) For many of us, getting out in nature is a chance to escape technology. After sitting in front of a computer or fielding phone notifications for hours on end, the last thing we want to do on a hike is look at another screen. Spending time outdoors can be a great way to disconnect from technology and reconnect with ourselves, friends, and family.

Technology, however, is the ultimate invasive species. It creeps its way into every aspect of our lives, whether we want it to or not, and the great outdoors is no exception. As our use and dependence on technology grows, countless apps, websites, and gadgets are wheedling their way into our time outdoors, hoping to grab our attention for a few more moments each day. Is technology destined to overrun and destroy the purity of our time in nature or can the two co-exist, perhaps even enhancing the experiences we have with each?

Nature and technology have a complicated history. Human developments have impacted the natural world since long before recorded history began. As technological advances have grown exponentially, so have their ramifications on the environment and the ways we interact with it. The advent of wireless technology and smartphones quite literally unleashed a torrent of technology that was once restricted to our homes and offices out into the wild.

The spots where our cell service does not reach are rapidly becoming few and far between, and the pull of an unending source of information, entertainment, and social engagement can be hard to resist compared to the relative quiet and solitude of the outdoors. At times it seems that nature just cannot compete with all this content that has been specifically designed to hold our attention longer, make us click more, and keep our eyes glued to the screen. Our addiction to technology is real, and its reach is growing every day.

The urge to stay digitally connected is strong, but it is also a recent development in human history. Far more ingrained in our psyches exists an urge to connect with nature. Social psychologist Erich Fromm first coined a term to describe this innate need to connect with other living things and a preference for being surrounded by nature: biophilia. Biophilia is thought to be driven by human evolution, with the notion that by being drawn to life, we are more likely to sustain life. Biophilia has been hypothesized as the driving force for everything from why some humans are so passionate about wildlife rehabilitation, to why we prefer high ceilings in our architecture. The physical and psychological benefits of closeness with nature are measurable; studies have shown that being in a room with a window can lower heart rates and stress levels, and even speed up recovery rates in hospital patients.

This intrinsic urge to be close with the natural world may initially appear to be in opposition to the pull of technology, but it does not have to be. Purists may argue that our time in nature is best kept completely separated from technology, that any introduction of modernity will only diminish our ability to connect to the wild. Yet, for those of us willing to consider finding a balance between the two, bringing technology into nature, and more of nature into our technology, can renew our interests and deepen our connection and understanding of both.

Paired with more traditional methods of navigation and good common sense, technology can make getting outside easier than ever before and increases our safety while out on the trail. Resources like the app AllTrails can help us discover lesser-known trails and hiking destinations everywhere we go. GPS and satellite navigation are obvious examples, but tools like first-aid apps and safety tips made with specific trails and areas in mind can make exploring new places a much less intimidating experience.

Solo hikers may feel more confident venturing out knowing that someone back home can track where they are and that they can easily contact help in case of an emergency. Being able to load our phones with maps, guides, and other resources reduces what we need to carry in both weight and cost, increasing accessibility. Being able to see real-time updates on trail conditions, connect with others with more expertise, and seek out "trail angels" who guide and assist travelers has allowed more people to tackle long-distance hikes.

Safety is not the only way technology can benefit us in the wild. Used strategically, our phones and tablets can be an incredible educational tool. While the ideal situation would be to always have an expert guide with you, or perhaps unlimited time to study and gain your own expertise, that is not feasible for most of us. Apps like Seek, through iNaturalist, can be an easy way to educate yourself about the flora and fauna you find on the trail. This app identifies plants and animals with a simple snap of a photo.

The app Star Walk 2 can be your virtual guide to the celestial world during nighttime adventures, perfect for those of us who have a hard time identifying anything more than the Big Dipper and Orion’s Belt. These educational apps can be great fun, too. One very timely example is the Cicada Safari app, which sends users on a mission to find and photograph cicadas in their area, giving them points for their findings and allowing them to compete with other "Cicada Scouts." All this data collected is then used by researchers at Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati to study periodical cicada emergences. Even less educational game-based apps can serve a purpose. Apps like Pokémon Go may not teach you anything about real-life animals, but for someone with no experience or interest in the outdoors, it may be just the encouragement they need to start venturing out more often.

Finding ways to bring more nature into our technology has its benefits as well. Social media can be notoriously contentious. A great way to improve the mood of your news feed is to intentionally seek out more accounts from nature centers, parks, and environmental scientists. Studies have shown that even looking at a picture of nature can reduce our stress levels, so a post from an avid hiker’s latest adventure or an update from your favorite state park may be just the break you need when scrolling through the more argumentative posts that can plague social media.

There is truly a virtual space for every interest. These online forums can help connect you with experts willing to share their knowledge and people who share your same passions, sometimes even providing opportunities for real-life meet-ups. A Twitter account will allow you access to updates and information directly from scientists in any environmental field you can imagine and help you discover niche scientific research and discoveries that would never make the national news.

The human need for a connection with nature may be engrained into our genomes, but technology continues to root itself in every aspect of our lives and is not likely to slow down anytime soon. By being thoughtful and intentional about the ways we bring them together, we cannot only maintain a healthy balance between the two, but we may even be able to enhance our experiences and understanding of each.

Amanda Markle is the Environmental Education Manager of the Strawberry Hill Foundation. Strawberry Hill inspires stewardship of our natural world by
connecting the community with educational opportunities.
 Learn more by visiting StrawberryHill.org.