15.2 Psychological effects of prolonged AR/VR use

Prolonged AR/VR use can lead to physical and psychological effects. From cybersickness and eye strain to addiction and social isolation, these technologies impact our bodies and minds in complex ways. Understanding these effects is crucial for responsible use and design.

Designers and users must be aware of potential risks. Mitigating physical symptoms, managing cognitive load, and addressing psychological impacts are key. By considering these factors, we can create safer, more enjoyable AR/VR experiences for everyone.

Physical Symptoms

Cybersickness and Motion Sickness

Top images from around the web for Cybersickness and Motion Sickness

• 

  Frontiers | Cybersickness in Head-Mounted Displays Is Caused by Differences in the User's ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Cybersickness in Head-Mounted Displays Is Caused by Differences in the User's ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Effects of Linear Visual-Vestibular Conflict on Presence, Perceived Scene Stability ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Cybersickness in Head-Mounted Displays Is Caused by Differences in the User's ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Cybersickness in Head-Mounted Displays Is Caused by Differences in the User's ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Cybersickness and Motion Sickness

• 

  Frontiers | Cybersickness in Head-Mounted Displays Is Caused by Differences in the User's ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Cybersickness in Head-Mounted Displays Is Caused by Differences in the User's ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Effects of Linear Visual-Vestibular Conflict on Presence, Perceived Scene Stability ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Cybersickness in Head-Mounted Displays Is Caused by Differences in the User's ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Cybersickness in Head-Mounted Displays Is Caused by Differences in the User's ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Cybersickness is a type of motion sickness experienced in virtual environments
• Symptoms include nausea, dizziness, and disorientation
• Caused by a mismatch between visual perception and vestibular system input
• More likely to occur with prolonged use, high latency, or low refresh rates
• Can be mitigated by reducing latency, increasing refresh rates, and limiting session duration

Eye Strain and Cognitive Load

• Eye strain occurs due to the fixed focal distance of VR displays
• Prolonged use can lead to eye fatigue, headaches, and blurred vision
• Cognitive load refers to the mental effort required to process information in VR
• Complex or information-dense VR experiences can increase cognitive load
• Designers should consider the user's cognitive capacity and provide appropriate breaks or pacing

Psychological Effects

Virtual Reality Addiction and Dissociation

• Virtual reality addiction is the compulsive use of VR, leading to neglect of real-world responsibilities
• Addictive behavior can be triggered by the immersive and rewarding nature of VR experiences
• Dissociation is a sense of detachment from reality, which can be heightened by prolonged VR use
• Dissociative experiences may include depersonalization (feeling detached from one's body) or derealization (feeling detached from the environment)

Social Isolation and Altered Perception

• Prolonged VR use can lead to social isolation, as users may prefer virtual interactions over real-world relationships
• Social isolation can have negative impacts on mental health and well-being (depression, anxiety)
• VR can alter perception, leading to changes in how users perceive and interact with the real world
• Altered perception may include changes in depth perception, spatial awareness, or body ownership illusions (rubber hand illusion)

Psychological Immersion and Its Implications

• Psychological immersion refers to the sense of being deeply engaged and emotionally invested in a virtual experience
• Immersion can lead to heightened emotional responses and stronger memories of virtual experiences
• Prolonged immersion may blur the line between reality and virtual reality, leading to confusion or difficulty readjusting to the real world
• Designers should consider the potential psychological impact of highly immersive experiences and provide appropriate warnings or safeguards