Virtual reality has negative side effects — new research shows that can be a problem in the workplace

Some employers are excited about swapping out computer monitors for virtual reality headsets, but the side effects of using VR are not completely understood. In a <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10055-022-00672-0" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">recent study</a>, my colleagues and I propose 90 factors that could influence VR side effects in the workplace. In <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1161932" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">another study</a>, we suggest guidelines to reduce these negative symptoms. Our analysis considers over 350 studies to identify a range of VR side effects. Some negative symptoms of VR use — like headaches, tiredness, <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjophth-2018-000146" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">eyestrain</a> and neck and shoulder pain -are familiar to those workers who sit at a computer all day. But the nature of VR introduces new avenues for discomfort, such as disorientation, dizziness, nausea and increased <a href="https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.2001.81.4.1725" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">muscle fatigue</a>. Users can be <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2014.956151" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">overwhelmed with too much information</a>, and sudden or intense <a href="http://public.ebookcentral.proquest.com/choice/publicfullrecord.aspx?p=1127743" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">sources of stress</a> — like unexpected noises when talking in front of a virtual audience — can diminish attention and memory. There are many factors that can affect the frequency and severity of these side effects. Some of these characteristics relate to the virtual environment content — for example, how complicated the scene is or the way VR reproduces user movements. Others have more to do with the user, such as age or how long they’re immersed in the VR simulation. Although more research is needed to identify the exact relationship between side effects and their contributing factors, <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1161932" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">our study</a> suggests several guidelines to mitigate side effects. Each individual’s risk level is unique, but there are basic things anyone can do, like taking regular breaks, not using VR for more than 30 minutes at a time, and stopping use immediately when any symptoms start. <a href="https://medium.com/the-conversation/virtual-reality-has-negative-side-effects-new-research-shows-that-can-be-a-problem-in-the-f12fc931dfea">Website</a>