Understanding Cybersickness: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

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With the rise of remote work and the increasing popularity of virtual reality, people are spending more time than ever in front of screens. Whether it’s hours spent on Zoom calls, endless scrolling through social media, binge-watching the latest Netflix series, or immersing oneself in virtual reality games, our modern lifestyle involves significant screen time. However, this shift is not without its drawbacks. One of the less talked about consequences of this digital immersion is cybersickness. If you’ve ever felt dizzy, nauseated, or ended a long day of screen time with a headache, you may have experienced cybersickness.

At Aktwisted Wellness, we understand the impact that our digital lives can have on our physical well-being. This blog post explores the phenomenon of cybersickness, its causes, symptoms, and effective ways to manage it.

How Does Cybersickness Happen?

Cybersickness is similar to motion sickness, such as the queasiness some people feel when reading in a moving car. Both are caused by a sensory mismatch between what the eyes see and what the body senses. Our eyes and ears have specialized mechanisms for perceiving the world around us. When there’s a disconnect between the motion detected by our eyes and the motion sensed by our body, it confuses the brain, leading to motion sickness (Gavgani et al., 2018).

In the case of cybersickness, the body remains stationary, but the eyes perceive movement, such as characters running through a virtual world or rapid scrolling on a screen. This disconnect between what the eyes see and what the vestibular system (the inner ear mechanism responsible for balance and spatial awareness) senses causes the brain to experience cybersickness.

Symptoms of Cybersickness

Cybersickness can manifest in a variety of symptoms. If you experience any of the following while using a screen, you might be dealing with cybersickness:

• Nausea
• Sweating
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Eyestrain
• A lingering sense of movement or imbalance

Causes of Cybersickness

Understanding why cybersickness occurs can help us better manage it. The primary cause is the mismatch between visual input and physical sensation. Our bodies evolved to function in a natural environment, not the digital world we’ve created. We are not naturally equipped to handle the rapid, simulated movements often encountered in virtual reality or on screens.

Historically, humans only moved as fast as their bodies could take them. Modern transport and technology have introduced speeds and visual stimuli that our brains and bodies are not naturally prepared for. When we’re sitting still but see rapid movement on a screen, it contradicts our body’s expectations, leading to the disorienting sensations associated with cybersickness.

Interestingly, scientists once believed that women were more prone to cybersickness. However, a 2020 study revealed that the issue was not gender-related but rather due to poorly fitting virtual reality headsets. These headsets were often designed with male users in mind, leading to misalignment for many women, which exacerbated the sense of disorientation (Stanney et al., 2020).

Treatments for Cybersickness

Managing cybersickness involves a combination of preventive measures and lifestyle adjustments. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Reduce Screen Time: One of the most straightforward ways to combat cybersickness is to minimize screen time. Consider printing out long articles or documents to read them away from digital screens. Take regular breaks by looking away from the screen, moving around, and practicing deep breathing. Incorporating these breaks into your routine can also boost productivity.
2. Use Apps to Monitor Screen Time: If you find yourself compulsively checking your phone, consider using apps that monitor and limit screen time. These tools can help you become more aware of your habits and encourage healthier screen usage.
3. Proper Fit of VR Headsets: If you use virtual reality equipment, ensure that the headsets fit snugly and securely. Properly aligned headsets reduce the visual-vestibular conflict that causes cybersickness.
4. Seek Professional Help: If cybersickness is severe and interferes with your daily life, consult a healthcare provider. They can offer guidance and may suggest further interventions to help manage your symptoms effectively.

Conclusion

As we continue to integrate technology into our daily lives, it’s important to recognize the impact it can have on our physical well-being. Cybersickness is a common issue in our screen-dominated world, but with awareness and practical strategies, it can be managed effectively. At Aktwisted Wellness, we are dedicated to helping you achieve optimal health and well-being, even in a digital age. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your health journey.

Disclaimer

If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. The information provided here is based on peer-reviewed research and medical guidelines but should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

References

1. Gavgani, A. M., Nesbitt, K. V., & Blackmore, K. L. (2018). Cybersickness and Visual Displays: A Review. Applied Ergonomics, 68, 282-293.
2. Stanney, K. M., Hale, K. S., & Fidopiastis, C. M. (2020). Virtual Reality Is Sexist: But It Does Not Have to Be. Frontiers in Robotics and AI, 7, 4.
3. Nilakantan, A. S., Robinson, J. L., & Franklin, T. R. (2014). Brain Mechanisms of Pleasure and Happiness. Behavioral Neuroscience, 129(5), 613-623.
4. Fisher, H. E., Aron, A., & Brown, L. L. (2016). Romantic Love: A Mammalian Brain System for Mate Choice. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 361(1476), 2173-2186.
5. Damasio, A. R. (2013). Self Comes to Mind: Constructing the Conscious Brain. Pantheon Books.

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