New Delhi: As technology advances, the growing use of hyper-realistic technologies like Virtual Reality has raised concerns about the mental fatigue it may cause. Recently, Apple’s announcement of its VR ‘Vision Pro’ headset has ignited interest from various companies aiming to tap into the market at lower prices.
The Virtual Reality industry is experiencing rapid expansion, promising substantial economic benefits worldwide as its applications continue to diversify and evolve. However, the focus on potential health implications, both mental and physical, remains lacking.
VR and similar technologies have the fascinating ability to create hyper-realistic experiences, immersing users in lifelike environments without leaving their physical space. While this innovation undoubtedly captivates many, clinical psychologists caution that the excessive utilisation of technologies such as VR can have enduring effects on individuals, as they recognise the potential risks it poses to both mental and physical well-being in the long term.
In an exclusive conversation with NewsMobile, Dr. Mamta Shah, a clinical psychologist, brought attention to the dual nature of virtual reality (VR) and its impact on individuals.
“Virtual reality has its positives and negatives. It can be a powerful tool to help people deal with mental health issues like PTSD, phobias, etc. Like everything else, one has to learn to balance its usage, or it can lead to negative emotional, cognitive, social, and physical effects. The dangers of VR is that it can lead to social isolation and withdrawal, and eventually, not having human contact will make people anxious and/or depressed,” Dr. Mamta said.
“It can also lead to physical effects like neck strain, dry or red eyes, headaches, blurred vision, wrist pain, obesity, insomnia, etc. It inhibits verbal skills, the ability to analyse logically in problem solving, and think creatively. I think it’s a double-edged sword. People are getting attracted to it perhaps because of curiosity or not having opportunities to meet people, but it further takes them more and more into the loneliness abyss,” she added.
Dr. Mamta elaborated on the potential effects of prolonged VR use and highlighted the various mental and physical health conditions it could lead to.
Mental Health Effects:
Anxiety and Depression: Reliance on virtual connections and a lack of in-person social interactions could lead to feelings of loneliness, depression, and increased anxiety.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Although technology like VR has not been proven to directly cause ADHD. However, it’s important to note that Frequent use of digital devices may intensify ADHD symptoms and potentially harm social and emotional intelligence
Addiction: Some individuals may develop an addiction to VR experiences, which can lead to heightened social isolation and neglect of other vital aspects of life.
Insomnia: Modern technology can lead to insomnia or sleep problems due to factors such as blue light exposure, engaging content, sleep procrastination, reduced physical activity, anxiety, and sleep displacement.
Physical Health Effects:
Eyesight Issue: Long-term use of VR screens might strain the eyes and could cause symptoms like dryness, eye fatigue, discomfort, and pain. This condition is commonly referred to as “Computer Vision Syndrome” or “Digital Eye Strain.”
Hearing Loss: Although virtual reality focuses mostly on visual immersion, some experiences may include audio elements that, if played at high volumes, could lead to hearing damage over time.
Neck Strain: VR experiences frequently require head movements, and repeated use may cause strain on the neck and upper back muscles, leading to discomfort and pain.
Lack Of Appetite: Users engaging in extended VR sessions may lose track of time and skip regular meals, which might result in a lack of appetite and possible nutritional problems.
Concentration Issues: Individuals may find it difficult to focus on real-world tasks after extended durations of intense VR involvement.
In the digital age, managing mental and physical health has become increasingly important. Dr. Mamta points out that technology has become an integral part of our lives, almost ingrained in our DNA. We can no longer escape its influence, but how we adapt and embrace it determines its impact.
“Technology has nowadays become a part of our DNA; we cannot escape it. It all depends on how we evolve into it and understand the right usage of it,” Dr. Mamta said.
Managing Mental And Physical Health In The Digital Age:-
Digital Detoxing: Psychotherapists believe that taking regular breaks from virtual reality and other digital devices can have a positive impact on one’s mental and physical health. Developing hobbies such as spending time outdoors, socialising, reading a book, digital detoxing allows the mind to recharge, reduces screen-related strain, and increases real-world social connections.
Seeking Medical Attention: If an individual is experiencing discomfort or negative effects due to the use of technologies, it is essential to seek medical attention. Healthcare professionals can help address any emerging health issues and provide appropriate advice for managing symptoms.
Social Support: Social isolation can be fought by developing connections with friends, family, or support networks. Positive social interactions play a vital role in promoting mental health and reducing the risk of loneliness associated with excessive use of VR.
Physical Activity: Using technologies like VR without any physical movement for extended periods may have potential long-term effects on the body. Engaging in regular physical activities such as walking, jogging, yoga, or any other preferred form of exercise can help keep physical health in check and also help reduce stress.
Dr. Mamta expresses concerns about the impact of technology on the new generation’s communication skills. In today’s digital age, children are born into a world filled with screens and advanced technology, which was not the case in previous generations. As a result, there is a growing fear that the younger generation may not be learning effective communication skills, leading to increased misunderstandings and miscommunications among people.
Further highlighting the insufficient attention given to the impact of modern technologies on mental health, Dr. Mamta stated, “There is a lack of addressing the issues of modern technologies, especially in the realm of mental health. It’s easy to turn a blind eye, as technology is interwoven into everything we do nowadays. For example, it is essential to talk rather than use screens like texting, which may lead to breaches in communication. This further adds to the overall disconnect between people and their loved ones and makes the person feel isolated and misunderstood. This, in turn, can lead to harmful consequences like addictions, suicidal ideations, and self harming behaviors.”
In today’s world, where everything seems to be driven by machines and devices, people heavily rely on technologies from work to entertainment. As a result, it becomes imperative to address the potential consequences of excessive usage and dependence on these devices.