Cybersickness is a growing concern for those who spend significant time interacting with screens. It is a form of motion sickness that arises without actual physical movement, triggered instead by visual stimuli from digital environments. This phenomenon can cause uncomfortable symptoms.
What Cybersickness Is
Cybersickness occurs due to a sensory conflict within the brain. When visual information from a screen suggests motion, but the body’s balance system (vestibular system) and other senses detect no corresponding physical movement, the brain receives contradictory signals. This mismatch leads to disorientation and physical reactions. Common symptoms include nausea, dizziness, headaches, eye strain, blurred vision, and a spinning sensation.
How Long Cybersickness Usually Lasts
For many individuals, cybersickness symptoms are temporary, often resolving shortly after stopping digital device interaction. Symptoms typically subside within minutes to a few hours once exposure ends. However, some people might experience lingering effects, with symptoms persisting for up to 24 hours, or even several days in more severe cases. The duration varies based on individual susceptibility and exposure circumstances.
Factors Affecting Cybersickness Duration
Several elements influence how long cybersickness symptoms persist. The type of digital content plays a role; immersive experiences like virtual reality (VR) or fast-paced video games often induce stronger, longer-lasting symptoms than simple smartphone scrolling. Rapid visual changes and dynamic motion within content can heighten the sensory conflict. Individual susceptibility also contributes to duration. People with a history of motion sickness, migraines, or certain vestibular disorders may be more prone to experiencing cybersickness and for longer periods. Age can also be a factor, as children and older adults may have increased susceptibility. Screen exposure duration and intensity are also important. Prolonged screen use without breaks, or using multiple screens simultaneously, can exacerbate symptoms and extend their duration. Environmental conditions and screen settings, such as improper screen brightness, contrast, or suboptimal viewing distance, can contribute to eye strain and intensify symptoms.
Strategies for Relief and Prevention
Implementing practical strategies can alleviate existing cybersickness symptoms and prevent future occurrences. Taking regular breaks from screens is highly effective; the 20-20-20 rule recommends looking at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. Adjusting screen settings, such as reducing brightness, increasing font size, and using blue light filters, can also minimize eye strain. Ensuring proper ambient lighting to minimize screen glare and maintaining a comfortable viewing distance are also beneficial practices. Staying adequately hydrated and practicing relaxation techniques, like deep breathing, can help manage well-being and reduce symptom severity. For some, over-the-counter remedies like ginger or anti-nausea medications may provide relief if symptoms arise.
When to Consult a Professional
While cybersickness is generally not serious, seeking professional medical advice is appropriate in some situations. Consult a physician if symptoms are severe, significantly interfere with daily activities, or persist for an unusually long time, such as days or weeks after exposure. If new or unusual symptoms appear alongside typical cybersickness, or if the cause is unclear, medical evaluation can help rule out other underlying conditions.