Introduction

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital information on top of the real world. It’s been around for years, but with the rise of smartphones and other mobile devices, AR has become more accessible and popular than ever before. However, while AR can be a lot of fun, it can also have some negative effects on our mental health and well-being. In this article, we’ll explore some of the potential dangers of AR and discuss why you might want to think twice before using it too much.

Addiction and Dependence

One of the biggest concerns about AR is that it can be addictive. People who use AR for long periods of time may become dependent on it, just like with social media or video games. This dependence can lead to a range of negative consequences, including social isolation, anxiety, and depression. In some cases, it’s even been linked to addiction.

A study published in the journal PLOS ONE found that people who were highly addicted to AR reported feeling more isolated from others and had higher levels of anxiety and depression than those who were less addicted. The researchers also found that people who were addicted to AR spent more time using it, which can have a negative impact on their productivity and relationships.

Motion Sickness and Eye Strain

Another potential danger of AR is motion sickness. When you’re using AR, your brain has to constantly adjust to the real world around you while also processing the digital information being overlaid on top of it. This can lead to feelings of nausea and dizziness, especially if you’re not used to using AR regularly.

Motion sickness can be particularly problematic for people who already have a tendency to get motion sick, such as those with inner ear problems or anxiety disorders. In some cases, it can even be dangerous, leading to falls or other accidents.

In addition to motion sickness, AR can also cause eye strain. When you’re using AR, your eyes have to constantly focus on two different images at once – the real world and the digital information being overlaid on top of it. This can lead to headaches, dry eyes, and other uncomfortable symptoms.

Distortion of Reality

One of the most concerning aspects of AR is that it can distort our perception of reality. When you’re using AR, the digital information being overlaid on top of the real world can make things look different than they really are. For example, a virtual object might appear to be much larger or smaller than it actually is, or it might appear to be in a different location than it is.

This distortion of reality can have a range of negative consequences. It can lead to confusion and disorientation, especially if you’re not used to using AR regularly. It can also make it harder for you to judge distances and depth, which can be dangerous when you’re driving or navigating through unfamiliar environments.

In addition to these potential dangers, there are also concerns about the impact of AR on our social lives. While AR can be a fun way to connect with others and explore new environments, it can also lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection.