This document discusses the relationship between modern technology use and time spent outdoors. It notes that research shows children and adults are spending less time outdoors than in the past. There is an observed link between decreased outdoor activity and increased digital device use. However, the document argues that technology does not need to disconnect us from nature but can instead enhance outdoor experiences when used appropriately. It provides examples of how GPS, phones, apps, and cameras can help with access, safety, communication, and learning about the natural world. While overuse of technology has downsides, the document concludes it can also be leveraged to bring people closer to nature and support enjoying its benefits.
2. Photo by: Jan Böke
When used
mindfully,
modern
technology can
make outdoor
adventures and
experiences
more accessible.
3. Research suggests,
we are spending less time outdoors than
we have in the past.
1
Photo by: Ales Krivec
4. Photo by: Annie Spratt
A Study
shows,between
1997 and 2003, the
amount of time children
ages 9 to 12 spent
participating in outdoor
activities such as hiking,
horseback riding, fishing,
camping and gardening
has declined by
50% 1
5. Photo by: Marc-André Julien
There is a
linkbetween this
decrease in outdoor
activity and our
current digital
habits. 2
6. Photo by: Julian Fernandes
America is so
hardwiredto
mobile devices that
navigating society without
one can be a
serious challenge .
“
3
– Brian Fung, The Washington Post
”
7. Photo by: William Iven
Staying
connected has
become a stress
inducing burden.
4
8. Photo by: Tanner Vines
We are easily
distracted by
our devices, and we
keep ourselves
available to be taken
away from everything
else.
This can make it
difficult to fully enjoy
our time in nature.
5
2
9. Photo by: Leo Rivas-Micoud
There is
overwhelming
evidence that
outdoor activity
improves creativity,
physical health, reduces
stress, and increases
overall happiness
levels. 6
10. Photo by: Tim Gouw
Conversely, being too connected and
readily available all the time has been linked
to depression. 7
11. Photo by: Steven Lewis
I had to write my business school
application essays, and I was having no luck spending an
hour here and there after work and on the weekends...
After spending a few days hiking in the Arctic by myself, I
was able to get all of them done in just a few days.
“
”
8
– Nick Pandolfii
12. Photo by: Annie Spratt
Often we aren’t aware of
nature’s benefits, and parents don’t know
how to tear their children away from the
computer or television screen. 1
13. Photo by: Danielle MacInnes
We don’t have
to choose
between modern
technology and our time
spent outdoors. We can
use technology to
connect with nature and
get children interested
in their surroundings.
1
14. Photo by: Luke Pamer
While technology
can get in the
way of our ability
to experience
nature, it can
also enhance it. 9
15. Photo by: Time Gouw
I see that it’s important
to show kids that are consumed with technology that
you can use it to connect to your environment, your
place, your geography.
“
” 10– Patricia Maloney, Project Learning Tree
16. Photo by: Luke Chesser
Areas where
technology helps
in the accessibility of
outdoor adventure and
recreation include:
1. Access & Transportation
2. Safety & Comfort
3. Communication
4. Information 11
17. Photo by: Cagatay Orhan
1. Access and
transportation
GPS-enabled devices help
families track the topography
of a landscape and keep from
getting lost.
12
18. Photo by: Gilles Lambert
2. Safety and Comfort
Phones provide access to the 911 lifeline when
rare emergencies occur in the outdoors, which
offers piece of mind. 12
19. Photo by: Cameron Kirby
3. Communication
The cameras on our
phones can draw us closer
to nature, help us relive
our outdoor experiences,
and encourage us to
repeat these adventures. It
also allows us to share our
experiences. 12
20. Photo by: Alex Holt
4. information
There are various apps for identifying flora and fauna
species, learning about wildlife calls, and becoming
educated about historical sites within parks.
13
21. Photo by: Rob Bye
Apps exist that allow us
to track and document animal sightings, and see
where others experienced wildlife activity.
This encourages active and social online
participation, while enabling us to connect to
our surroundings. 14
22. Photo by: Benjamin Child
Apps offer
certain
advantages
over books when it comes
to learning about nature.
The ease of use and the
sheer amount of
information can satisfy
curiosity quickly, and
keep users engaged. 10
23. Photo by: Ian Schneider
Being online too
often has proven to
be harmful.
However, when
used appropriately,
modern technology
can be used to
bring us closer to
nature and help us
indulge in its many
health benefits.
24. Photo by: William Iven
References 1
[1] Novotney, Amy. "Getting Back To The Great Outdoors". American Psychological
Association. N.p., 2008. Web. 2 June 2016.
[2] Larson, Lincoln, Gary Green, and H.K. Cordell. "Children’S Time Outdoors: Results
And Implications Of The National Kids Survey". Sagamore Publishing. Web. 2 June
2016.
[3] Fung, Brian. "Why You Shouldn’T Confuse ‘Nomophobia’ With An Actual Addiction To
Smartphones". Washington Post. N.p., 2015. Web. 2 June 2016.
[4] Anderssen, Erin. "Digital Overload: How We Are Seduced By Distraction". The Globe
and Mail. N.p., 2014. Web. 2 June 2016.
[5] Turkle, Sherry. "The Documented Life". The New York Times. N.p., 2013. Web. 2 June
2016.
[6] Mercola,. "5 Reasons To Spend More Time Outside -- Even When It's Cold". Peak
Fitness - Mercola. N.p., 2015. Web. 2 June 2016.
[7] Konnikova, Maria. "How Facebook Makes Us Unhappy". The New Yorker. N.p., 2013.
Web. 2 June 2016.
[8] von Pfetten, Verena. "Read This Story Without Distraction (Can You?)". The New York
Times. N.p., 2016. Web. 2 June 2016.
25. Photo by: William Iven
References 2
[9] Hall, Alena. "How Technology Can Help You Tune Back Into Nature". The Huffington
Post. N.p., 2014. Web. 2 June 2016.
[10] Rankin, Joe. "There's An App For That: Can Technology Reconnect Us To Nature?".
Forests for Maine's Future. N.p., 2012. Web. 2 June 2016.
[11] Ewert, Alan and R Sibthorp. "Exerpt: Outdoor Adventure Education: Impacts Of
Technology In Outdoor Recreation And Adventure". Human Kinetics. Web. 2 June 2016.
[12] Klasky, Ben. "Connecting With Nature? There’S An App For That". The Huffington
Post. N.p., 2014. Web. 2 June 2016.
[13] Heimbuch, Jaymi. "How Technology Brings Us Closer Than Ever To Wildlife".
TreeHugger. N.p., 2012. Web. 2 June 2016.
[14] Brigida, Danielle. "25+ Nature And Wildlife Mobile Apps". The National Wildlife
Federation Blog. N.p., 2011. Web. 2 June 2016.
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