American Gen Z spends 25% less time in nature than Gen X – because they don’t like going out alone and get too bored.
A poll, of 2,000 adults, revealed the average Gen Z adult averages just 49 minutes of outdoor time on weekdays, and mostly just to commute (24%).
This compares to Gen X who spend 65 minutes a day outside, with 67% of Gen Z admitting they can go days without stepping out the door.
Bad weather (25%), not having enough hours in the day (16%), and not liking to be alone (16%) were the main things preventing Gen Z adults from going outside.
The study was commissioned by Super, Natural British Columbia, the official tourism body of British Columbia, which has created a free digital tool, The Nature Rating [http://www.thenaturerating.com/].
It allows you to discover how much nature is present in a film, show, book or song title and is designed to inspire people to seek nature in everyday life.
Social Psychologist Dr Pelin Kesebir, who is working with the board, said: “Our research published in Perspectives on Psychological Science found that references to nature in songs, books, and films have been on a steady decline since the 1950s.
“This is symptomatic of a larger societal issue, as there is a strong link between what we consume and how we behave.
“Art, media, and culture both reflect and shape our lived experiences, so the nature deficit in the content we consume signals a broader and concerning disconnect from the natural world.
“That’s why tools that encourage a healthier ‘nature diet’ in our media can be a powerful catalyst for inspiring real-world nature engagement.”
The study also found one in five (19%) of the parents polled were concerned about the amount of time children spend outside – with the average youngster getting out for just 56 minutes-a-day.
Despite this, half of parents (50%) believe their children spend more time outside than they did at the same age.
But 25% worry they spend less time in nature than they did, with 36% naming screen time as the biggest barrier.
It also emerged that where people live plays a big part in their relationship with nature – with two thirds of city residents (67%) claiming they could go days without leaving their home.
However, despite the barriers in getting outside, 67% said seeing the natural world on their screens directly inspires them to get outside.
With social media (36%), YouTube (35%), and TV shows (32%) the main drivers fueling American inspiration.
While the most influential shows were named as Yellowstone (21%), Our Planet (16%), and Survivor (14%).
Although 46% of those polled, via OnePoll, feel there’s a nature deficit in the media and culture they consume.
Maya Lange, from Super, Natural British Columbia, said: “The benefits of spending time in nature are widely known, but modern life can make it difficult, with our research showing that we’re becoming more disconnected from nature with each generation.
“While there’s no single solution to inspiring people to improve their relationship with nature, encountering the wonder of it through the content they watch and enjoy can spark a genuine desire to seek nature out in real life.
“The Nature Rating is designed to help people take a first step – assessing nature in content they consume can inspire people to go outside and foster a stronger connection to the natural world.”
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