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This video was created to highlight the positive impacts of nature on the lives of young adults. Developed by a University of Illinois student, it features original footage, findings from scientific research, and quotes from individuals to inspire young adults to embrace the natural world and discover its beneficial effects on their well-being.
I recently took on a mission to explore different natural environments in the Champaign/Urbana area and to write about my experience, what I observed about this destination, and how it served this community. Armed with curiosity and a camera, I took pictures of my experiences so others could view these places through my eyes.
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As we get older and experience new things, our perspective begins to differ, and that includes nature. What we were once reluctant to do, whether it be being in nature or staying inside, will go through changes as we go through changes ourselves and gain different experiences.
I interviewed 9 UIUC Faculty from the ages of 45 and 65 and asked them 5 questions each; This interview series delves into individuals’ of the ages of 45 to 60 unique experiences and perspectives regarding their interactions with nature, to observe how different individuals view and interact with nature.
The participants in the survey generally enjoy spending time outside, with 7 out of 9 expressing a preference for outdoor activities. Family involvement seems to enhance this enjoyment, as indicated by 5 out of 6 parents mentioning their families as a reason for liking outdoor time. While all parents emphasized the importance of outdoor activities during their children’s younger years, those with teenagers noted a shift in approach, allowing their older children more autonomy in choosing their activities. Walking emerged as the favored outdoor activity among the group. Although 4 out of 9 participants claimed that nature doesn’t significantly impact them, for most, spending time in nature positively affects their mental health. Perspectives on nature often evolve from childhood to adulthood, with some noting changes in the activities they engage in or a deeper appreciation for nature as they age.
Also, I asked an additional question: “How do you view nature? And would you consider Chicago scenery with skyscrapers a form of nature?” They all replied and said that they didn’t view Chicago as a place of nature and that when they think of nature, they think of greenery and outdoor activities like hiking.
Some quotes from participants;
“I think of nature when I think of camping and high trees or taking my son to the park.”
“I wouldn’t consider walking around downtown Chicago as nature.”
I believe after viewing all the information and listening to the transcript of the interviews that adults change their perspective of nature over time, which is true in most areas of life. We as humans change, but I believe that they get a more positive look at nature when they have kids. I can say that all the participants have reported encouraging their children to explore nature, even though they might not have been aware of it previously.
My theory suggests an interesting perspective on how adults’ views of nature evolve over time, particularly when they become parents. It aligns with the findings from the provided information, which indicate that family involvement enhances enjoyment of outdoor activities and fosters a deeper appreciation for nature among adults. My theory offers valuable insight into the ways in which personal experiences, such as becoming a parent, can shape individuals’ perceptions and interactions with the natural world. It would be interesting to further explore this hypothesis through additional research or case studies to better understand the underlying mechanisms driving this shift in perspective.
In the article “Children don’t like nature as much as adults—but preferences change with age”, Wang (2019) mentions a study that showed that 4 in 11 children prefer urban environments but the number of children who prefer urban environments decreases as they grow older and adults don’t prefer urban environments as much.
I believe that this study perfectly demonstrates how our view of nature shifts as we get older. It exposes how children who gradually get older find an appreciation for nature despite previous opinions or preferences. The research didn’t mention any reason this happens, but if I were to guess and speculate based on my experiences, I would say it was because of the health benefits. I don’t think they appreciate the health benefits in particular, but the way the health benefits make their bodies feel. Spending time in nature does make us feel physically and mentally better. For example, hobbies that take place outside, like exercise, gardening, etc., and things that can improve mental health, like journaling, picnics and exercising. Heather Eliason, a professor of nutrition and epidemiology at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health claims that spending time in nature is beneficial to one’s physical and mental health.
My thinking regarding how adults’ perspectives on nature evolve, particularly when they become parents, ties well with these articles because becoming a parent can lead individuals to develop an appreciation for nature’s benefits, especially when it can promote physical and mental well-being, which can lead to parents prioritizing outdoor experiences for their children.
Children don’t like nature as much as adults—but preferences change with age
by Jack Wang, University of Chicago. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2019-08-children-dont-nature-adultsbut-age.html
This project delves into the diverse perceptions of nature among young adults, focusing on American college students. With varied backgrounds shaping their perspectives, interviews were conducted to unravel the influences of nature on their lives. The study reveals commonalities and disparities in how nature is perceived. Urbanization emerges as a significant factor, influencing attitudes towards outdoor elements and insects. By understanding these dynamics, the project advocates for early nature exposure and integrated environmental education to foster positive connections with the natural world.
I conducted interviews to explore the influence of nature on the lives of young adults aged 18-22 and how they perceive nature. The interviewees are all students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and included one who grew up in a city, one who grew up in a rural area, and six who grew up in the suburbs. The suburban interviewees’ environments varied in the degree of urbanization, but they all describe their hometown as either similar to or slightly more urban than the current Champaign area where they reside.
Initially, it was evident from the interviews that all interviewees perceive nature not only as greenery such as forests and trees but also encompassing weather and the sky. From the interviews conducted, it is evident that individuals have varied perspectives on spending time outdoors and the impact of nature on their lives. However, some commonalities can be observed among the respondents.
1. Positive Mental Impact: Many participants mentioned that spending time outdoors has a positive impact on their mental health. They find it refreshing, destressing, and mood-lifting.
“Being outside releases my stress and feels refreshing”
“Sometimes when I’m stressed or feel stifled, I go to places where I can see nature”
2. Preference for Outdoor Activities: Despite varying levels of enthusiasm for nature itself, most respondents enjoy outdoor activities such as walking, playing sports, or simply enjoying the scenery.
“I really enjoy spending time outside, especially walking. The feeling of being outdoors is refreshing”
3. Family Bonding in Nature: A significant number of participants believe that spending time in nature enhances family bonding and provides unique opportunities for quality time together.
“For family functions, I think nature provides a sense of relief and happiness”
“spending time in nature creates family bonds and helps us get away from worriesr family functioning”
4. Shift in Perspective: There’s a noticeable shift in perspective from childhood to adulthood regarding nature. While as children, nature was often viewed as a playground, in adulthood, it is seen as a place for relaxation, therapy, or simply a space to appreciate.
“When I was young, I viewed it as a playground, but now I view it as a therapy place”
5. Weather Dependency: The impact of weather on outdoor experiences is evident. Participants often mentioned that their enjoyment of nature is dependent on weather conditions, with good weather enhancing their experience and adverse weather detracting from it.
“I like spending time outside, depending on the weather”
6. Preference for Indoor Activities: While there is appreciation for nature, some respondents also expressed a preference for indoor activities to avoid discomforts associated with bugs, weather, or other outdoor elements.
“I don’t like spending too much time outside due to bugs, animals, and weather”
7. Observation vs. Engagement: Some participants prefer observing nature rather than actively engaging in outdoor activities. They find solace in being surrounded by natural environments without necessarily participating in physical activities.
“I’m not particularly fond of being active in nature, but I do like observing it. So, sometimes when I’m stressed or feel stifled, I go to places where I can see nature”
The majority of participants had a positive perception of nature. However, there were still a significant number of participants who seemed unfamiliar with greenery. So I asked participants who do not like nature due to bugs and messiness, ‘Are there any factors that could change your perception of nature?’ Most of them argued that many things would have been different if they had spent more time close to nature during their childhood.
“We prefer indoor activities, like shopping, to avoid messiness”
“I think I wouldn’t hate bugs as much if I was raised in an environment that was closer to nature”
Why do feelings of disgust towards nature arise? One article discussed it this way: urbanization increases the extent to which people see insects indoors, and insects that are seen more often indoors induce stronger feelings of disgust than those seen outdoors (Fukano & Soga, 2021). It seems that that the complex interplay between urbanization, human interaction with insects, and the resulting emotional responses. It underscores the importance of understanding how urban environments shape our perceptions of the natural world and the creatures within it.
In summary, young adults hold varied perceptions of nature, influenced by their upbringing and urban environments. While many see nature as beneficial for mental health and family bonding, others feel discomfort due to bugs and messiness, often stemming from limited childhood exposure to natural settings.
Urbanization plays a significant role in shaping these attitudes, with increased indoor living contributing to unfamiliarity and even disgust towards outdoor elements. Understanding these dynamics underscores the importance of early nature exposure and education in fostering positive connections with the natural world. To address these challenges, promoting outdoor activities, encouraging family bonding in nature, and integrating environmental education into urban settings are vital steps. By doing so, we can cultivate a deeper appreciation for nature among young adults and promote sustainable relationships with the environment.
Fukano, Y., & Cardoso, P., et al. (2021). Why do so many modern people hate insects? The urbanization–disgust hypothesis. Science of The Total Environment. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969721012973
Taewon is a senior at the University of Illinois, majoring in Human Development and Family Studies. Drawing from her personal experiences, she strongly believes in the vital role of nature, especially for children and families. Whenever she travels back to her home country, South Korea, Taewon enjoys spending time with her family in nature. One of her favorite moments in nature is taking walks around the lake and beach. Given that both of her parents have recently taken a break from work due to health issues, Taewon observes that they sometimes struggle with how to fill this sudden void and emptiness. However, she has noticed that nature has become a source of strength for her parents. Despite facing health challenges, they engage in daily hikes or walks, and the time spent in nature seems to fill their moments with a sense of health and happiness. Through this, Taewon has come to realize that nature not only has a positive impact on children and adolescents but also provides significant benefits to adults, especially retirees and the elderly. Taewon has discovered that nature, often unnoticed, has a strong positive influence on us, and she expresses gratitude for this in every moment.
