Virtual art visits: Examining the effects of slow looking onwell-being in an online environment.
Katherine N. Cotter, Myriam Harrouche, Rebekah Rodriguez-Boerwinkle, Martin Boerwinkle, Paul J. Silvia, James O. Pawelski
Abstract
Throughout history, visual art has helped people feel connected to each other, experience a deep sense of belonging to their communities, and enhance their own well-being.In recent years, many museums have increased their digital presence to engage with the public in new ways, including curating unique virtual experiences.The present research examines the well-being effects of a virtual art gallery visit and the role of immersion in facilitating these well-being effects.Participants were 155 adults from the United States recruited via Prolific.Participants completed a 15-minute virtual gallery experience and were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: (1)To spend 5 minutes selecting one work and then spend 10 minutes engaging in mindful looking;(2) To spend 5 minutes selecting one work and then spend 10 minutes engaging in curious looking; or (3) To spend 15 minutes viewing the art however they wished.Participants completed measures of well-being and emotional state before and after their gallery experience.Although the three conditions did not differ in their levels of immersion or in their well-being and emotional experiences, participants did experience a range of well-being increases following their virtual art experience.Further, the level of immersion participants reported during the visit, regardless of condition, predicted post-visit well-being and emotional state.This suggests that virtual art engagement, like in-person art engagement, may hold well-being benefits for those who engage in these experiences.