Evidence of the overview effect in the lab? Does viewing photos of Earth from space promote connection to others through awe?

Upon viewing Earth from space, astro/cosmonauts have described experiencing a cognitive shift known as the “overview effect.” The overview effect is described as a sense of connectedness to others on Earth, a dissolution of boundaries that divide people, and a desire to protect Earth. These reports overlap closely with the experience of the emotion awe. We sought to 1) simulate the overview effect using a non-astro/cosmonaut sample, 2) examine its influence on connection to Earth, nature, humanity, sense of meaning, and attitudes towards groups, and 3) determine whether it is different from interacting with other stimuli that induce awe. In 2 experimental (1 pilot, 1 main) studies, awe was induced through viewing images of the Earth from space which was associated with greater connection to Earth and humanity, consistent with the overview effect. Anxiety was also induced. Potentially relevant individual differences (e.g. cognitive ability, personality) were examined, but there was not consistent evidence that the awe experience or overview effect was heightened for or specific to any particular individuals. Although viewing images of the Earth from space (i.e. the overview effect simulation) induced awe, it did not influence awe more than viewing awe-inspiring images on Earth (e.g. mountains, oceans). However, the heightened anxiety induced from the overview effect gives it a different “flavor” than awe induced by other stimuli, consistent with a threat-based variant of awe. This induced anxiety (in addition to awe) also led to greater connection to Earth, demonstrating an alternative pathway to fostering connection to Earth.