Developing empathy and nature connectedness through technology at scale: How and when can it work, and to what end?

Natural history teaches us science, but it also cultivates empathy by getting us outdoors and activating our senses. Some ecologists feel strongly that technology-mediated experiences cannot substitute for transformative outcomes of nature immersion. Yet current environmental challenges urgently require a more rapid transformation of humanity’s relationship to nature than traditional natural history experiences can provide. We will explore the science of learning and self-transcendence to explore possibilities for – and limitations of – extending the reach of natural history through online experiences. Ecologists can and should lead the way to harness digital platforms to strengthen nature connectedness and conservation action at scale.