Despite improvements in headset technology and thoughtful software innovations, virtual reality (VR) still presents challenges, often leaving users feeling nauseated, disoriented, or excessively sweaty. Many enthusiasts have encountered distressing experiences, from terrifying virtual roller coasters to intense games like Beat Saber, leading to widespread accounts of motion sickness among users.
### Understanding Cybersickness in VR
As a psychologist specializing in user reactions to VR at York St John University in the UK, I have observed the ongoing development of strategies to mitigate cybersickness. While advancements in hardware—such as enhanced field of view, increased resolution, and minimized latency—have made strides, they have not fully addressed these issues. On the software side, solutions like incorporating virtual noses, visual tasks to redirect focus, and improving visual realism have shown potential in controlled environments but often fail to deliver consistent results in real-world applications. Recent research is shifting the focus toward user-driven solutions that empower consumers to manage their VR experiences more effectively. Here are three promising methods.
### #1: Adopt the Flamingo Stance
There are various theories regarding the causes of cybersickness, with one focusing on postural stability. In our daily lives, our brains coordinate with our vestibular and proprioceptive systems to maintain balance and spatial awareness. However, in virtual environments, maintaining this balance is more challenging, as users perceive movement without corresponding physical sensations. Research indicates that individuals with better balance tend to be less susceptible to cybersickness. For instance, studies involving athletes like figure skaters, soccer players, and martial artists revealed that figure skaters exhibited the highest resistance to motion sickness.
To explore this concept, researchers in South Korea investigated whether training participants to improve their balance in VR could reduce symptoms of cybersickness. Over five days, participants practiced balance exercises, standing on one leg while extending their arms—akin to a flamingo pose—followed by standing on both feet. In comparison, a control group merely observed a VR experience designed to induce sickness. By the end of the study, both groups reported fewer symptoms during the training, but when introduced to new VR content, the training group experienced significantly less motion sickness.
### #2: Lean Into the Motion
If the flamingo stance doesn’t appeal to you, another technique involves aligning your posture with the virtual environment’s movements. This method builds on understanding postural instability as a contributor to cybersickness. For instance, when riding a roller coaster, leaning into the turn—opposite to what feels intuitive—can help mitigate feelings of motion sickness. A study conducted by researchers from the Netherlands and Greece utilized virtual driving simulations on a Meta Quest 3 headset to assess how well participants aligned their bodies with the simulated motion. The findings revealed that those who maintained better alignment experienced significantly lower levels of cybersickness, suggesting that postural adjustment plays a crucial role in user comfort.
### #3: Employ Vibrational Stimulation
If standing still or leaning into motion isn’t your style, consider trying a more advanced solution involving vibrational technology. This approach utilizes a vestibular stimulation device, which sends vibrations to the inner ear, a method currently being researched for treating conditions like seasickness and symptoms related to Parkinson’s disease. Companies like Otolith Labs are working towards making these devices available to the public. Researchers at the University of Newcastle in Australia conducted a study to determine whether these devices could alleviate VR-induced cybersickness by addressing the conflict between visual and vestibular signals.
In their experiment, participants experienced a virtual roller coaster while using the vestibular device with varying vibration settings. Those equipped with the device managed to endure longer rides compared to the control group, indicating that vibration may help users tolerate the sensory mismatch commonly experienced in VR environments.
### Consumer Empowerment in Managing Cybersickness
While none of these strategies guarantee success, they represent a shift towards user-friendly solutions that anyone can experiment with at home. Cybersickness has multiple potential triggers, and future advancements in headset technology and VR design may help alleviate these issues further. However, the most effective path forward likely combines engineering innovations, thoughtful design, and user-driven methods, such as balancing techniques, posture adjustments, and vibrational stimulation. Only time will reveal whether these approaches will ultimately overcome the challenges posed by cybersickness in virtual reality.
