The paper presents an overview of the latest studies on cognitive neuroscience
that can help evaluate concepts that promote technologically-enhanced outdoor activities,
such as CyberParks. The following questions are asked in the paper: does the human brain
really like ICT tools? Does the human brain really like being outdoors? And finally: does the
human brain really like technologically-enhanced outdoor activities? The results of the
studies presented show that the human brain does not like ICT tools yet, it likes being
outdoors very much. At the same time, it was shown that outdoors activities may be
encouraged by ICT tools, yet outdoors activities themselves should be free from ICT tools.
Using ICT tools and physical activity at the same time is a dual task, a type of activity that
leads to cognitive and physical processes being destabilised, which leads to weakened
effects of both cognitive and physical tasks. From the perspective of cognitive neuroscience,
CyberParks are not a solution that the human brain really likes. Another issue is also discussed,
namely: do technologically-enhanced outdoor activities—such as in CyberParks—really
increase the quality of life?The study was supported by European Cooperation in Science and Technology Action: Fostering knowledge about the relationship between Information and Communication Technologies and Public Spaces supported by strategies to improve their use and attractiveness
(CYBERPARKS) (TUD COST Action TU1306).peer-reviewe
