The Impact of Social Media on Individual Interactions with and Experiences in Nature

Abstract

Social media has many uses, and its reach spans the globe. A common theme of social media posts is people’s experiences in nature. This research aims to further explore the relationship that has developed between experiences in nature and posts that are seen or posted on social media. The data suggest that social media is a positive influencer for bringing people to a certain location or trying a new activity. A dichotomy emerged between expressed tech savviness and the actual number of posts that users post to social media. Further research could contain a stronger focus on the specific reasons people post to social media, the dichotomy that was presented, and the overall influence that social media has on peoples’ experiences in nature trying new activities or traveling to new locations.