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Egress! How technophilia can reinforce biophilia to improve ecological restoration
Author(s) -
Buettel Jessie C.,
Brook Barry W.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
restoration ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.214
H-Index - 100
eISSN - 1526-100X
pISSN - 1061-2971
DOI - 10.1111/rec.12387
Subject(s) - disconnection , augmented reality , ecology , restoration ecology , environmental ethics , computer science , sociology , human–computer interaction , political science , biology , philosophy , law
For effective and sustained ecological restoration, community support is essential. Yet, in modern society, artificial constructs and electronic technology now dominate most peoples' interests (technophilia). This has led to a perceived growing disconnection between humans and nature. We ask how such technology might be harnessed as an agent of connection to the environment, rather than being seen as a driver of detachment. We use the example of a hugely popular mobile augmented reality smartphone game “ Ingress ” to show how gaming technology can excite people about nature, unlock their inherent biophilia, and highlight the value of ecological restoration in their everyday lives.