People cut back on smartphone use when they walk through forests, but this shift doesn’t happen in parks, a finding reported by researchers affiliated with the University of Vermont. The study tracked behavior in a large group to understand how natural settings influence screen time in North American contexts, where outdoor recreation spans both urban parks and more remote woodland areas.
Over two years, researchers followed the phone activity of seven hundred volunteers. They collected anonymous logs from the devices themselves to build a detailed picture of how people interact with digital devices in different outdoor environments. One clear outcome was that teenagers spent roughly twice as much time on screens as they did in outdoor spaces on typical days. A somewhat surprising twist emerged: simply stepping into a park did not curb screen time; instead, screen use often rose during park visits, while longer stays in wilder, natural settings were linked to reduced looking at screens and a shift toward other experiences.
Experts who analyzed the data suggest a nuanced dynamic. Short, city-based park visits can provide a temporary digital detachment for some people, but they also come with higher rates of text messaging and phone calls than expected. In contrast, longer excursions into forests, nature reserves, and other expansive natural areas appear to offer a more compelling sensory break from screens. The researchers emphasized that the visual and tactile cues of nature can reorient attention away from smartphones and toward real-world experiences, potentially helping individuals reconnect with daily life outside the device.
With rising concerns about digital distraction and its links to anxiety, sleep disruption, and mood disturbances—particularly among younger populations—psychologists and clinicians are exploring practical strategies to counteract these effects. The study contributes to a growing body of evidence that immersive natural environments may support mental well-being by promoting focus, mindfulness, and a sense of connectedness beyond the screen. These insights hold relevance for educators, urban planners, and healthcare professionals seeking evidence-based approaches to help people manage technology use more effectively in everyday life.
In closing, the research underscores a simple but powerful idea: nature in its various forms can shape how people engage with technology. Whether strolling through a leafy city park or wandering deeper into a forested landscape, the environment seems to influence not only what people do with their devices but also how they experience time, attention, and presence in the moment. Ongoing studies will continue to refine how different natural settings support healthier digital habits across diverse communities.