Eco-Detachment, Technology and Loneliness [Thesis Abstract]
- Matthew Yip
- Jun 13, 2017
- 2 min read
Rapid technological advancement and increasing human eco-detachment diminishes the quality of real life social capital, and propagates the vicious cycle of loneliness, which if prolonged, can lead to a chronic condition with long term impacts on individual and societal welfare.
My thesis examines the impact of loneliness on physical and mental health, experienced not only by the elderly, but increasingly by the young, a trend that is propagated in a rapidly advancing technological context that changes the way humans see themselves, each other and the world. Chronic loneliness occurs when humans fail to act on the biological stimulus, due to passivity, introversion or a poor social environment. Human eco-detachment and screen mediated technologies are two trends propagating this loneliness loop.
In the context of evolved human biophilic and social nature, this paper discusses the key proponents of eco-detachment and a technologically driven change in the social landscape accompanied by a photographic visual companion. The investigation of Stephen Kellert’s biophilic design principles (prospect and refuge; curiosity and enticement; and fear and awe) alongside a case study of Singapore seeks to find in what ways biophilic design can restimulate the latent biophilic tendencies of humans, re-wild the psyche of the digital generation and provide a supportive environment for authentic encounter.
From the application of these biophilic design principles in the case study precedents, it has been found that these elements can be effective in restoring a nature deficit by encouraging nature exploration amongst children, engagement with wildlife and education of natural processes. There is also some statistical evidence for a correlation between social capital and the natural environment, but further research must be undertaken to fully quantify the effects, as most of these social benefits are qualitative, experiential or observed. Additionally, a holistic biophilic urbanism approach should be employed to integrate these positive outcomes within the urban fabric, recapturing an inherent curiosity and desire for social connection in real space and time.
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