Virtual Reality (VR) has been gaining significant traction in recent years. According to statistics, by the third quarter of 2017, VR headset shipments had already surpassed one million units. With an increasing number of manufacturers entering this market, it's expected that these numbers will rise sharply in the near future. However, before you or your child dives into a VR experience, it’s important to be aware of potential health risks.
First and foremost, maintaining a safe and clear space for VR use is crucial. Most VR headsets come with warnings about the dangers of using them in crowded or unmonitored environments. For instance, the HTC Vive explicitly warns users that when wearing the device, they lose awareness of their surroundings. This means you should never rely solely on the built-in safety features of the equipment. In many cases, users may perceive distances in the virtual world as much longer than they are in reality, leading to tripping, bumping into objects, or even serious injury. Therefore, it's essential to have someone nearby to supervise the experience, especially if children or pets are involved.
Another concern is the potential impact on vision. While the long-term effects of VR on eye health are still debated, experts like Martin Banks from the University of California, Berkeley, warn that prolonged use could contribute to vision problems such as myopia or astigmatism. With myopia rates rising globally—increasing from 25% in 1970 to over 40% by 2000 in the U.S.—the risk of worsening this condition through VR use is a growing concern. As Banks explains, improper use of any screen, including VR, can increase the risk of eye strain and myopia, and VR might make things worse due to its immersive nature.
If you experience physical discomfort during a VR session—such as eye fatigue, headaches, or nausea—it’s important to stop immediately. These symptoms are often linked to motion sickness, a well-known issue in simulators used by pilots and astronauts. Experts believe this is due to a mismatch between visual input and the body’s balance system. In VR, the eyes see distant objects while the body remains stationary, confusing the brain. This phenomenon, known as vergence-accommodation conflict, can lead to discomfort and fatigue. Some recommend taking regular breaks, but there is no universally accepted standard for how long a session should last.
In addition to eye and physical discomfort, loud audio in VR can also pose a risk to hearing. Prolonged exposure to high-volume sounds, even if not immediately uncomfortable, can cause long-term damage. If you find yourself unable to hear people around you while using VR, it’s a sign that the volume is too high and should be adjusted.
Certain groups, such as pregnant individuals, the elderly, or those with medical devices like pacemakers or hearing aids, should use VR with caution. Manufacturers advise stopping immediately if any involuntary muscle movements or loss of balance occur. Additionally, Google Daydream recommends avoiding VR if you're under the influence of alcohol, exhausted, or experiencing a cold or headache, as it may worsen these conditions.
Children, in particular, require careful supervision when using VR. Studies show that young children are more likely to confuse virtual experiences with reality, making them more vulnerable to psychological effects. Many VR manufacturers set age limits, such as 13 for some devices. Experts like Jeremy Bailenson from Stanford University suggest limiting VR time for children and being selective about the content they experience.
Finally, violent or disturbing content in VR can have real-world consequences. Research shows that VR experiences can be stored in the brain similarly to real-life events, potentially influencing behavior. Parents should carefully monitor the types of content their children engage with, as what seems harmless in a game may have lasting psychological effects.
While VR offers exciting possibilities, it’s important to approach it responsibly. By understanding the risks and using the technology wisely, we can enjoy its benefits without compromising our health or well-being.
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