VISITING an art museum can have a multitude of health benefits. But what about virtual exhibitions? A team of European researchers recently studied their therapeutic virtues and found that they could be on par with those of real-world art experiences.
The idea of going to a museum for health benefits may sound surprising, but it is a concept that's gaining ground and for good reason.
Numerous scientific publications have highlighted the multiple benefits of art on our physical and mental wellbeing. Contact with works of art can help relieve chronic pain and alleviate stress and anxiety.
However, scientists did not know if these effects could also be experienced via the internet. MacKenzie Trupp and Matthew Pelowski set out to investigate this question with the help of researchers from the Max Planck Institutes for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, and Psycholinguistics.
They asked 84 participants to visit two exhibitions digitized by Google Arts and Culture -- one on Monet and the other on Japanese culinary traditions -- during the first lockdown of the Covid-19 pandemic.
At the time, nearly 90% of the world's museums closed their doors for a certain period of time, according to a UNESCO report from 2020. Millions of art lovers turned to virtual tours to access culture and to escape their everyday realities.
And good for them, suggests the study by MacKenzie Trupp and Matthew Pelowski. The researchers observed that people who visited a virtual exhibition saw their mood improve.
"This included lowered state-anxiety, negative mood, loneliness, and increased subjective wellbeing," they wrote in the study, recently published in the journal, Frontier Psychology.
Even more surprisingly, these therapeutic effects are felt very quickly. The psychologists noted that looking at digital artworks for a few minutes is enough to make you feel better. The benefits of virtual exhibitions are even more pronounced if the people who visit them have a particular attachment to the art, or find it beautiful.
While the study has a small number of participants, it suggests new possibilities for art therapy. In the future, virtual exhibitions could be displayed in waiting rooms, hospitals and rural areas where access to art is limited. This would allow as many people as possible to reap the health benefits of art.
ETX Studio
Sat Mar 11 2023
Spending a few minutes looking at digital artworks could be enough to help us feel better, according to a European study. - ETX Studio
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.