I don't think you can simulate an experience, in a way that it ends up being profound. Reality is always more complex than our understanding, because understanding works by selecting, limiting information. So what these simulations often end up with is an incomplete, hollow imitation of the real thing, often missing a key ingredient yet to be identified. The efforts in human nutrition is a good example of this, always discovering something that was crucially missing from diets.

Simulations work for some, though. But they don't work for others, and this is what I wanted to hopefully make a bit more understandable.

Great idea if you want to get someone very depressed. Humans do need to go outside and touch grass from time to time.

humans are already becoming more and more depressed. Makes little difference at this point.

We had very strict Covid restrictions in my country (France) back when it started. Going outside for anything other than walking the dog was complicated, you had to sign a form that said that it was an absolute emergency. Yet, some of my friends told me that those few months were among the best of their life. Some of us really don't need to go outside to feel fulfillment, just the confort of their home.

I spent two years not going outside during this time and I honestly wish it never ended. It was absolutely the best time.

You don't get fresh air in cities. It's different to deeply breathe in air on a trail surrounded by trees with no cars in sight than to stand on the balcony and breathe in the contaminated air of even smaller cities.

I used to only go out to do grocery shopping, but then I started exercising by cycling, and now, when I don't get out near the woods for three days, I get a real crisis. After breathing in fresh air for 30 mins or so I feel much, much better.