How endless scrolling through social media can make you sick (literally) - We’ve all pretty much been there: lying in bed as we endlessly scroll through our social media feeds, entertained by the richness of the internet. But while ‘doomscrolling’ certainly has the ability to increase the dopamine in our brains, scientists have started diagnosing an actual illness that can come from it: cybersickness.

Curious? Click through this gallery to find out more.

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What is it? -

Cybersickness is basically a type of motion sickness that comes from overusing a digital device. Regardless of whether you use a computer or a cell phone, you could potentially find yourself suffering from the symptoms of cybersickness, especially as technology becomes more prevalent in daily life.

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Symptoms -

Common symptoms of cybersickness are quite similar to the symptoms of traditional motion sickness, and they can include dizziness, nausea, headaches, and eye strain.

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Pandemic -

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased screen time as people shifted to remote work and online socializing. Although much of this has changed, the pandemic’s influence on our technology can still be felt today, and it includes the way that we handle our screen time.

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Virtual reality -

Cybersickness was first identified in virtual reality (VR) environments, where up to 80% of users reported symptoms related to using the technology. The problem is that there is a huge disconnect between what the eyes see and what the body actually feels. This is called sensory conflict theory.

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Sensory conflict theory - Sensory conflict theory suggests that cybersickness comes from a mismatch between visual inputs from the eyes and the body's sense of motion. The brain becomes confused by this dissonance, and it expresses this confusion through physical symptoms.

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Scrolling -

Activities like endlessly scrolling through social media or streaming services can also trigger cybersickness. Just like virtual reality, the continuous visual motion of scrolling doesn’t have a physical movement attached, which is why the same sensory mismatch occurs.

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Technology evolution -

Although there have been many advances in technology that reduce how often cybersickness occurs, the increased use of digital devices for work and entertainment still poses significant risks to our health.

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History -

Motion sickness has a long history, with references dating back to ancient times. Sea sickness, for example, was documented as early as 800 BCE, and the English word “nausea” actually comes from the Greek word naus, which means "ship."

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Daily life disruption -

If left unchecked, cybersickness can drastically impair a person’s daily activities and possibly their work, especially if symptoms are intense or persist for extended periods.

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Each individual - Every person is unique in how susceptible they are to cybersickness. Indeed, factors such as age, gender, and previous experience with motion sickness can influence how severely someone is affected by the symptoms.

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Gender differences -

Research suggests that women may actually be more susceptible to cybersickness than men because of physiological and hormonal differences.

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Driving -

Cybersickness symptoms like dizziness and headaches can be particularly dangerous if they occur while driving. Make sure that you’re feeling fine before climbing behind the wheel of your car.

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Balance -

Studies have shown that people with poor balance are more susceptible to cybersickness symptoms. Your physical health is an important factor to consider while you scroll through social media.

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Long-term consequences -

Persistent cybersickness can lead to significant long-term health issues, including prolonged headaches, chronic eye strain, and sleep disturbances. In fact, many of these symptoms could become irreversible if they are not addressed.

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Gaming -

Gamers, especially those who are new to VR, are often affected by cybersickness. The immersive nature of gaming environments can aggravate sensory conflicts and even lead to severe symptoms.

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Cross-generation -

It’s important to remember that both younger and older generations are susceptible to cybersickness, and it isn’t only older people who can experience symptoms.

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Mitigation -

If you ever experience cybersickness, then you’ll be happy to know that there are various effective strategies that you can use to mitigate symptoms. One such strategy is to use blue light glasses, which basically contain lenses designed to reduce the amount of blue light that reaches the eyes. This helps reduce strain on the eyes.

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VR comfort ratings -

VR devices often provide comfort ratings to help users determine their potential for cybersickness. These ratings can guide people in choosing experiences that are less likely to trigger symptoms.

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Device calibration -

It’s important to always ensure that your devices (including your computer screen and cell phone) are properly calibrated so that cybersickness is minimized. Make sure that your devices are correctly aligned and the settings are optimized to reduce discomfort.

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Regular breaks -

If you work in front of a computer screen for extended periods, be sure to take frequent breaks. Short breaks can help reset the eyes and body, reducing the risk of developing symptoms.

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Screen time -

One incredibly effective way of reducing cybersickness is through a digital detox, or by reducing your overall screen time. By limiting your exposure to digital devices, you can help alleviate symptoms and improve your overall well-being.

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Physical activity -

Regular physical activity can also help mitigate cybersickness symptoms by improving overall physical health and reducing your susceptibility to motion-related discomfort.

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Mental health -

If you find yourself experiencing cybersickness, be sure to understand how it could be impacting your mental health. Being digitally connected can really add stress to your life, so you must first ensure that your mental health is managed before trying to stay connected.

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Ergonomic design -

A great way to deter potential sickness is to use devices in a way that is ergonomic. In other words, everyday objects should be designed in a way that is both efficient and safe to use. Features like adjustable screens and comfortable viewing angles are important considerations.

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Screen settings -

Modifying the screen brightness, contrast, and color settings of your devices can also help reduce eye strain and mitigate cybersickness. You should always customize your devices for optimal comfort.

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Hydration and diet -

Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet can help reduce cybersickness symptoms. Dizziness and nausea have been known to be exacerbated by dehydration and low blood sugar levels, so drinking plenty of water and eating regular meals can be quite beneficial.

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Proper posture -

It’s also crucial to maintain proper posture while using digital devices, especially if you work in front of a computer and spend most of your time there. Make sure that you sit in a comfortable chair with good back support.

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Nighttime scrolling -

If you haven’t been told this before, scrolling through your phone just before bed can be quite detrimental to your health. In fact, the incredibly low lighting can drastically contribute to cybersickness, so we recommend that you avoid this entirely.

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Environment -

Harsh ambient light can add to the issue at hand. Reducing ambient light glare and ensuring proper lighting in the room can help alleviate eye strain and make screen time more comfortable.

Sources: (National Geographic) (Association for Computing Machinery) (Neuroscience News)

See also: How to use technology mindfully

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