Would you take a hike in a virtual forest? A new study suggests many of us would—if the experience feels real, protects our privacy, and treats people fairly.
This research looked at how potential users—university students—feel about “digital forest recreation” inside immersive, three-dimensional virtual worlds (the metaverse). Using a choice-based survey, the study explored what draws people in and what pushes them away.
Here’s the short version: the demand is real, the bar is high, and the details matter.
What the study asked
The researchers ran a discrete choice experiment
with students who are likely early adopters of metaverse tech. Participants
compared different versions of a virtual forest experience and made choices.
This reveals which features people value most.
They also used modeling to see whether virtual nature
could encourage broader metaverse use.
What people want from a virtual forest
1) Adventure—outside, even if it’s online.
Participants preferred outdoor adventure experiences (think: guided
treks, wildlife encounters, seasonal changes) over passive content.
2) A “digital twin” of real forests.
People chose existing, real-world forests over made-up parks. They
favored iconic, real species rather than anime-style characters. Realism
matters: users want a faithful mirror of nature, not a fantasy theme park.
3) Real immersion—not flat screens.
Immersive access points beat 2D experiences. The preference ranked as: VR
treadmill > VR gloves > VR headset > 2D screen. In short, the more
your body is involved, the better it feels.
Deal-breakers that push people away
Privacy abuse.
Selling user data or tracking people in creepy ways is a non-starter.
Biased algorithms.
Systems that quietly discriminate or manipulate trust are unacceptable.
Forced purchases and gambling-like mechanics.
Pressure to buy virtual goods, “loot box”-style randomness, or pay-to-progress
designs turn users off.
Toxic behavior.
Trolling and harassment ruin shared spaces. People prefer verified or
invite-only access to keep experiences civil.
Why this matters
Virtual forests aren’t just pretty backdrops. If done
right, they can:
· Boost nature knowledge and care. Digital
twins can teach species ID, track climate impacts, and show real-time changes.
· Lower barriers to access. Not everyone
can travel to a national park; virtual visits can widen participation while
still nudging people toward real-world stewardship.
· Mobilize digital conservation. Users can
help monitor changes, report issues, and support restoration projects.
The study also hints that positive experiences with digital nature can increase willingness to try other metaverse activities—from learning to collaboration.
The hard parts (and how to fix them)
Make immersion comfortable and affordable.
VR can cause motion sickness and fatigue. Developers should prioritize
ergonomics, better optics, and content that minimizes discomfort—while planning
for accessible, lower-cost options.
Build for safety and fairness.
· Privacy-first: clear data minimization
and consent.
· Bias-aware: audit and retrain models;
explain how recommendations work.
· Fair monetization: no dark patterns; set
spending limits; publish item probabilities if randomness exists.
· Civility by design: verified identities,
strong moderation tools, easy reporting, and community norms that actually
matter.
Keep it real.
If people prefer real forests to fictional ones, invest in high-quality
digital twins—accurate maps, sounds, seasons, and species. Partner with
parks, researchers, and local communities so the virtual world reflects real
stewardship.
Who should act now
· Platform builders: Treat this as a
product brief—realistic content, strong safety, transparent economics, and true
immersion.
· Educators & NGOs: Use digital twins
to teach ecology, climate change, and restoration—then bridge experiences to
citizen science and field trips.
· Policymakers: Update consumer protection,
privacy, and AI fairness rules for immersive tech.
· Nature lovers & creators: Help shape
what a good virtual forest looks and feels like. Your feedback will decide what
goes mainstream.
The bottom line
People are open to hiking a digital forest—if it
feels like the real thing, respects their rights, and keeps the space
kind. The opportunity is big: educate, inspire, and include more people in
nature. The challenge is bigger: build metaverse experiences that earn trust.
If you’re working at the intersection of tech and nature,
this study is your roadmap. The future forest can be both online and alive—and
the choices we make now will decide how it grows.
Original article: Jaung, W. (2022). Digital forest recreation in the metaverse: Opportunities and challenges. Technological Forecasting & Social Change, 185, 122090. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2022.122090