The Influence of Urban Environment on Sentiments: A Systematic Review
This systematic review of 59 studies (2018–2025) synthesizes evidence linking urban environmental characteristics to human sentiments, revealing that green/blue spaces and walkable, safe areas generally foster positive emotions while pollution and industrial zones correlate with negative ones, thereby offering data-driven guidance for urban planning.
Original paper licensed under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). This is an AI-generated explanation of the paper below. It is not written or endorsed by the authors. For technical accuracy, refer to the original paper. Read full disclaimer
Cities are more than collections of buildings, roads, and parks; they are living landscapes that shape how people feel every day. For decades, scientists have understood that the physical world around us influences our health and happiness. A quiet street might calm a nervous mind, while a crowded, noisy intersection could raise stress levels. This connection between place and emotion is now being explored with a new kind of tool: the vast stream of words people post online. Instead of asking residents to fill out long surveys, researchers can now look at millions of short messages, reviews, and comments shared on social media to gauge the mood of a neighborhood in real time. This approach, known as sentiment analysis, treats language as a mirror of public feeling, allowing scientists to map where people feel joy, frustration, or peace across a city.
A recent systematic review brings together a wide range of studies that use this digital approach to understand the link between urban environments and human emotions. The researchers gathered 59 distinct studies published between 2018 and 2025, creating a comprehensive picture of how city features affect our moods. The majority of these studies focused on China, with significant work also done in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other parts of Asia. By analyzing data from platforms like Weibo, Twitter, and various travel and review sites, the team identified clear patterns in what makes people feel good or bad about their surroundings. The findings suggest that while some urban elements consistently bring positive feelings, others create stress, and the impact of many features depends heavily on the specific context of the neighborhood.
The most consistent source of positive emotion in the city is nature. Across the studies reviewed, green spaces like parks, forests, and gardens, as well as blue spaces such as rivers, lakes, and beaches, were almost always linked to happier, more positive sentiments. People tend to express feelings of restoration and joy when they are near trees, water, or well-maintained natural areas. However, the review also noted that this relationship is not automatic; if a park is poorly kept or lacks safety, the positive feelings can disappear. Similarly, blue spaces like water bodies generally boost mood, but their effect depends on how accessible and inviting they are. The research indicates that simply having nature nearby is not enough; the quality of the space and how easy it is to reach it matter just as much.
In contrast, certain built environments tend to generate negative feelings. Areas dominated by heavy industry, large transport hubs like railway stations, and zones with significant air pollution or extreme heat often trigger complaints and negative emotions. People frequently express frustration around train stations and busy transport centers, likely due to the noise, crowding, and chaotic atmosphere. Air pollution and extreme weather conditions, such as intense heatwaves or heavy rain, also consistently lower public sentiment. These environmental stressors act as a constant drain on well-being, making people feel less satisfied with their surroundings. Interestingly, while noise is generally seen as a negative factor, in some dense city centers, it can be associated with positive feelings because it often coincides with vibrant street life, shops, and social activity.
The relationship between the density of a city and how people feel is more complex and varies by location. In some neighborhoods, higher density, with more buildings and shops close together, is linked to positive sentiments because it suggests convenience and social energy. In other areas, particularly at the neighborhood level, people prefer lower building density and more open space. This suggests that there is no single "perfect" density for a city; what feels good in a bustling commercial district might feel overwhelming in a residential area. The review found that the specific mix of land uses, the quality of the architecture, and the presence of cultural landmarks all play a role in shaping these feelings. For instance, historic areas and places with unique character often receive more positive feedback than generic or homogenized spaces.
The researchers also examined how these studies were conducted. They found that most of the work relied on advanced computer programs to read and interpret millions of text posts. These programs, often using artificial intelligence, can quickly sort through vast amounts of data to determine if a message is positive or negative. While these tools are powerful, the review highlighted that the results depend heavily on the data source. Most of the studies used data from Chinese social media, which means the findings are heavily weighted toward the experiences of people in Chinese cities. This concentration limits how well the results can be applied to other parts of the world, as cultural differences and local urban designs can change how people perceive their environment.
Ultimately, this body of research offers a clear guide for city planners and designers. The evidence suggests that creating healthier, happier cities involves increasing access to green and blue spaces, ensuring these areas are well-maintained and safe, and reducing exposure to pollution and extreme heat. It also points to the need for better design around transport hubs to make them less stressful for users. While the studies show that some factors, like the presence of a park, generally lead to positive feelings, the review emphasizes that context is king. What works in one city or neighborhood may not work in another. By listening to the collective voice of residents through their digital words, planners can gain a deeper, more immediate understanding of how the physical world shapes the human experience, allowing them to build cities that not only function well but also make people feel good.
Drowning in papers in your field?
Get daily digests of the most novel papers matching your research keywords — with technical summaries, in your language.