VR Addiction

Virtual reality (VR) is an incredible technology that has the power to change lives. It immerses the user in a virtual world. VR will continue to rise in popularity, as it advances and gets smarter. 

There’s no telling where this technology can take people. Unfortunately, it can also have serious consequences. Some people might not want to escape the fantasy world. 

Users might rely on that world to escape their real-world problems. They could develop an addiction if they’re not careful. This guide will explain the motive behind virtuality reality and its mental health risks. 

What is VR?

First, it’s important to explain what virtual reality is. It’s a hard concept for some people to wrap their heads around. Virtual reality is a simulated world that incorporates 3D technology to make it feel like a virtual world. 

This provides the user with an immersive experience. Users immerse themselves in the virtual world with a headset or helmet. They quickly become unaware of their waking senses and surroundings. 

Virtual reality is just one of the latest technological advancements in augmented reality. It has also been used in business settings and for entertainment purposes. It’s already being used in healthcare, aviation, military, and architecture. 

But it’s also a large part of the gaming industry. The next direction of virtual reality is the metaverse. While the metaverse has been around for decades, it’s been reintroduced by Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg. 

The metaverse is a 3D world where people can interact with one another. Meta, the new owner of Facebook, invested $150 million into virtual and augmented reality. 

There are benefits associated with virtual reality. It promotes positive mental health and reduces stress. But it also comes with its share of risks due to excessive use.  

Is VR addiction a thing?

As interest in VR increases, there’s an increased risk of virtual reality (VR) addiction. Players become addicts when they’re preoccupied with the virtual environment. 

They will do whatever it takes to remain in that stimulated environment. They desire to immerse themselves into that world because they want to escape the stress and pressures of daily life. 

Over time, they isolate themselves as their social relationships crumble. They could ignore personal, financial, school, and work responsibilities. 

Research from the Higher Colleges of Technology shows that virtual reality addiction is similar to internet addiction and gaming addiction. Consuming VR media for hours can cause serious mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, and obsession. 

It could also trigger behavioral problems such as attention deficit disorder, autism spectrum traits, and aggression. Overconsumption of VR technology can damage the brain. The individual might not be able to decipher what’s real and what’s virtual. 

For example, they might claim to be in love with a virtual character. Or, they might not decipher their virtual life from their waking life. This behavioral addiction can have serious consequences as it could negatively impact their life. 

What are the symptoms of too much VR?

Virtual reality addiction is a subset of internet addiction. Like most technological addictions, ongoing use of the substance continues despite the negative consequences. Most people can enjoy virtual reality and return to their regular life. 

Those who use too much VR might notice their quality of life declines. They find themselves physically and psychologically suffering because of it. Some symptoms of excessive VR include the following: 

• Ignoring important tasks and responsibilities

• Ignoring emergencies and important matters that need to be addressed 

• Refusing to socialize with family and friends 

• Frustration or anxiety when you’re not engaged with the activity 

There are also physical symptoms associated with excessive VR use. Some people reported experiencing overwhelming emotions after removing the headset. Other signs of VR sickness include:

• Confusion 

• Disorientation

• Dizziness 

• Motion-sickness

• Nausea 

Some gamers also reported having neck stifness after staying in one place for several hours. Virtual reality can also cause eye strain and other problems. That’s because the user’s eyes process what they see in the game and send that message to the brain while their body remains still. 

Can VR affect your mental health?

Research has shown that virtual reality can cause dissociation in some individuals. They’re disassociated or disconnected from their present life and inner circle. Excessive use can also lead to isolation and social anxiety from ongoing gameplay. The side effects are mild at first. Some individuals might not notice it in the beginning. 

The side effects slowly worsen over time. It eventually becomes an addiction. Regardless of the risks, virtual reality has exploded in popularity. Up to 25% of households own a headset. The tech industry wants to immerse people in the metaverse. 

The increased use of this alternate reality will only enable this addiction. Most manufacturers recommend 30 minutes of time use. However, the effects of going over that time commitment remain unknown. 

Is VR More Addictive Than Other Forms of Gaming?

According to one study, virtual reality is 44% more addictive than other forms of gaming. This study shows how addictive playing games in an immersive environment can be. Compared to desktop environments and video games, the 3D environment alone triggers the brain’s reward system. 

It immediately brings feelings of pleasure to the brain. The individual is more likely to become addicted to this feeling alone. It’s not necessarily the virtual environment that’s addicting. It’s the ability to immerse themselves in another world.

There are many upsides to virtual reality. However, the downsides could quickly run the risk of excessive use. If you struggle with virtual reality, know you’re not alone. Book an appointment with Birches Health today. Our licensed professionals are experienced in this area to help you get the treatment and help you need.  

Sources:

Virtual Reality: Opportunities & Risks

Virtual Reality for Medical Science in the UAE

Virtual reality has real problems. Here's how game developers seek to delete them.

Is virtual reality bad for our mental health?

VR is 44% more addictive than flat gaming (according to a study)