The Ego Under Artificial Light: The Psychological Effects of Light Pollution on Humility and Self-Perception

By: Kavi Seidman, Venice Senior High School

This study investigates the impact of light pollution on personality traits such as humility, groundedness, and ego among individuals who grew up in different lighting environments in California specifically. Using a survey-based approach, data were collected from individuals who spent their formative years in either the highly light-polluted environment of Los Angeles or the relatively low-light environment of the Greater Palm Springs area. The results indicate that individuals from areas with high light pollution demonstrate higher levels of egoistic traits and lower levels of humility and groundedness. On the opposite, those from areas with low light pollution tend to display higher levels of humility and groundedness. These findings suggest that environmental factors, such as light pollution, could play a very significant role in shaping personality development, highlighting the need for urban planning that considers psychological as well as ecological impacts.