Fake It To Make It? A Systematic Review of Artificial Nature Exposure on Cognition

Exposure to natural environments has consistently been linked to improved cognitive functioning, often explained through Attention Restoration Theory (ART), which posits that nature supports recovery from mental fatigue by engaging involuntary attention. Yet, many individuals lack regular access to natural settings in their daily lives (e.g., in workplaces, schools, correctional facilities, urban environments), raising important questions about how to support cognitive health in such contexts. In recent years, research has turned toward artificial or simulated forms of nature delivered through different sensory modalities, including visual (e.g., photos, videos, virtual reality), auditory (e.g., natural soundscapes), and olfactory (e.g., scents via diffusers). These interventions offer scalable alternatives to direct exposure, but findings have been mixed, with some studies reporting cognitive benefits and others showing null or inconsistent effects. Moreover, it remains unclear whether certain modalities are more effective than others, or whether contextual and participant-level factors (e.g., restorative vs. instorative effects, youth vs. adults) influence these outcomes. Given the rapid expansion of this literature and the variability in study designs, populations, and intervention characteristics, a systematic review is needed to synthesise and critically appraise the existing evidence. The current review therefore aims to map and evaluate research on artificial nature interventions and cognitive outcomes, identify patterns and inconsistencies in the findings, and highlight theoretical, methodological, and practical implications for future work in this area.