STANFORD, Calif. – Mixed reality headsets are gaining popularity but also come with their own set of issues, which can hinder their widespread adoption and continuous use. Stanford University researchers have uncovered unsettling findings related to the use of these headsets, including “horrific” side effects. Mixed reality, also known as spatial computing, is a highly discussed technology today. It offers an immersive experience that integrates the real world with digital enhancements, allowing users to interact with both realms simultaneously. This technology heavily relies on pass-through video, which captures the outside world through head-mounted cameras and overlays it onto the interior footage in real-time. This innovation enables users to engage with digital content while moving within their physical environment, a concept that has garnered attention from tech enthusiasts and companies alike. A team from Stanford conducted an experiment to explore the long-term effects of using these headsets on individuals’ thoughts and behaviors. Their findings suggest a convergence of trends that could potentially alter the future of human computing. “Given the prolonged usage of headsets with continuous video, it’s imperative to critically evaluate the concepts and practices of this technology,” explains study author Jeremy Bailenson, the Thomas More Storke Professor at the Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences and founder/director of the Virtual Human Interaction Lab (VHIL), in a university release. “We want to understand the implications of leading a life that heavily relies on being visually active for several hours a day to perceive the world around us.”
Stanford VHIL researchers are developing guidelines for how to use headphones safely in public. (Image credit: Virtual Human Interaction Lab) The participants engaged in a variety of activities, from walking around campus to purchasing coffee, all under the supervision of a monitor to ensure safety. Despite the initial enthusiasm, researchers encountered issues such as visual disturbances, feelings of social detachment, and motion sickness, raising concerns regarding the practicality of the technology for everyday use. Mixed Reality Headsets Can Induce ‘Funhouse Mirror’ Effect The study outlined how continuous video exposure can affect the mind, diminish visual acuity, and create a “funhouse mirror” effect that distorts reality. Users also experienced difficulty with simple tasks like high-fiving or eating as the lack of visual cues led to misjudgments of distance and object size. “Even though the world you’re looking at is real, it appears as though it’s a video game ‘other’,” explains James Brown, a master’s student in Stanford’s Symbolic Systems Program. These visual distortions, coupled with video lag, not only compromised users’ interaction with their environment but also produced what the researchers termed as “public detachment.” The isolation of individuals from those around them, as if they were mere images, underscores the potential drawbacks of adopting headsets. Additionally, the team highlighted the risk of simulator sickness, akin to motion sickness, which could deter prolonged engagement with the technology. “I was surprised because all 11 of us in the study are headset enthusiasts, yet even with limited exposure, we felt discomfort,” elaborates Bailenson. In light of these findings, the Stanford team advises mixed reality users to approach the technology with caution. Bailenson recommends responsible usage, incorporating breaks and short sessions to minimize discomfort and potential hazards associated with the headsets. “There’s immense potential for delivering video content across various applications,” concludes Bailenson. “However, there are also pitfalls that can restrict user experience, ranging from feeling out of place to motion sickness, with potentially serious consequences.” The research was published in the journal Technology, Mind, and Behavior. You may also like:
