From the nightly bat exodus at Bracken Cave in San Antonio to playful pandas at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C., nature-focused livestreams have captured the attention of millions—and their popularity keeps growing.
Now, new research from The University of Texas at Arlington reveals that these livestreams do more than connect viewers to the natural world; they also foster meaningful human connections. UT Arlington social work Professor Rebecca Mauldin coauthored a study with University of Mississippi Professor Keith Anderson titled "Nature-focused livestreams: Connecting people to nature and to each other," published in Current Opinion in Psychology.
"These streams are offering more than passive entertainment," the study notes. "They're helping people reconnect with nature and form new online communities bonded by shared awe and appreciation."
Dr. Mauldin, whose research focuses on social networks and human connection, was intrigued when a colleague suggested examining the discussion boards accompanying these livestreams.
"People will sit and watch a screen with nothing happening just to catch a glimpse of a hummingbird, because they know it could happen at any moment," Mauldin said. "That sense of anticipation is powerful."
When those moments happen in real time, Mauldin said, they spark natural conversations among viewers.
"People connect with the material. And it helps them reflect on their own lives—family memories, vacations, sibling stories—just from watching something happening 1,000 miles away. That's really heartening, and I'm hopeful we can keep building on it."
The research also points to the potential mental health and social benefits of using nature-focused livestreams with populations that have limited physical access to the outdoors. Prior studies show that even indirect or virtual contact with nature can improve psychological health and social well-being and promote environmental attitudes.
"We already know direct experiences in nature are good for us," Mauldin said. "Now we're seeing that livestreams can offer some of those same benefits, and they're accessible to anyone with a screen."
About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
Celebrating its 130th anniversary in 2025, The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing public research university in the heart of the thriving Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With a student body of over 41,000, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System, offering more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA stands among the nation's top 5% of institutions for research activity. UTA and its 280,000 alumni generate an annual economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. The University has received the Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and has earned recognition for its focus on student access and success, considered key drivers to economic growth and social progress for North Texas and beyond.
