Overview
"Bird watching" is a field with particularly abundant scientific evidence of positive mental health effects among various nature observation activities.
Large-scale surveys in the UK and Germany have shown that hearing birdsong and seeing diverse bird species directly contribute to reduced depression risk, relief from anxiety, and improved well-being.
Theoretical Background
"Multi-sensory" Stimulation
Bird observation strongly stimulates not just vision but "hearing (birdsong)."
From an evolutionary psychology perspective, there is a theory that birdsong has been recognized by humans as a signal of "a safe state with no predators or dangers nearby," producing instinctive relaxation effects.
Detailed Explanation
University of Exeter UK Study (2017)
- Subjects: Over 270 residents.
- Results:
- People who saw birds in the afternoon had significantly lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress.
- Regardless of race, age, or income,
"the variety of birds around the home" strongly correlated with mental health.
- Not just whether they actually observed, but the perception that "there are many birds in the neighborhood" itself was also important.
University of Kiel Germany Study (2020)
- Subjects: Data analysis of 26,000 people across Europe.
- Results:
-
It was estimated that "10% more bird species diversity" brings an increase in life satisfaction (happiness) equivalent to a 10% increase in income.
- Among natural environments, "bird" diversity had the strongest correlation with happiness.
Critical Examination
Complexity of Causation
There is always the point that "environments with many birds = green and good environments," and residents tend to have higher incomes, so isn't it just environmental or economic factors?
However, many studies have confirmed that even after adjusting (statistically removing) socioeconomic factors (income, education level, etc.), there is still an independent positive effect from bird contact.
IKIMON's Contribution
IKIMON can support improving user well-being through observation of familiar birds.
- User Experience: Discovering not just familiar sparrows and pigeons, but "I didn't know such a beautiful bird was nearby" adds color to daily life.
- Feature Development: Post/playback functions for "calls (sounds)" and AI call identification features provide relaxation effects through hearing as well as vision.
- Social Prescribing: In the future, we aim for IKIMON to be used as a tool for "social prescribing," where doctors recommend nature contact instead of medicine.
References
- Cox, D. T. C., et al. (2017). Doses of Neighborhood Nature: The Benefits for Mental Health of Living with Nature. BioScience.
- Methorst, J., et al. (2021). The importance of species diversity for human well-being in Europe. Ecological Economics.
