Return to Nature: How media art heals?

This paper contextualises developments in media art and electronic visualisation with the ‘Consciousness Hacking’ movement, and the potential for technology to improve psychological, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. The narrow focus of attention demanded by many contemporary media devices, such as smart phones and some immersive technologies, may be harmful to cognitive functioning and emotion regulation. These technologies are arguably a distraction that diminishes our natural capacity for rich sensory experience. Conversely, artists and researchers have experimented with new media in an attempt to challenge and engage our sensory experience, in order to re-connect us to nature. Trials comparing simulated natural environments with actual nature are reviewed within the context of their potential to restore attention. Do multi-sensory media artworks and visualisations re-connect us with the natural world, or remove us further from it? The potential benefits of technology are assessed as a tool for ecotherapy in mediated environments and for new models of mental healthcare and wellbeing. Comparison is made between ‘Cyberdelics’ virtual applications, which may narrow or distract the focus of attention, and works using more natural systems, which engage with the periphery and interconnectedness of the senses. The interventions are assessed in their efficacy to affect change in psychological and physiological states, and as a non-pharmacological enhancement with therapeutic applications. Transformation and healing is possible when media art and technology are created and disseminated with mindful intention.