Health-Related Issues of Immersive Technologies: A Systematic Literature Review
The adoption of immersive technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), is transforming sectors like healthcare, education, entertainment, and retail by offering innovative, simulated experiences. These technologies provide significant benefits, such as enhanced learning, im...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Informatics |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9709/12/2/47 |
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| author | Nkosikhona Theoren Msweli Mampilo Phahlane |
| author_facet | Nkosikhona Theoren Msweli Mampilo Phahlane |
| author_sort | Nkosikhona Theoren Msweli |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The adoption of immersive technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), is transforming sectors like healthcare, education, entertainment, and retail by offering innovative, simulated experiences. These technologies provide significant benefits, such as enhanced learning, improved patient outcomes, and innovative rehabilitation tools. However, their use also raises concerns about user comfort and potential health impacts. This systematic literature review examines the positive and negative health implications of immersive technologies, drawing insights from 104 peer-reviewed articles. The findings highlight therapeutic and rehabilitation benefits, such as treating anxiety and improving motor skills, alongside physical health concerns like eye strain and cybersickness, and mental health challenges, including cognitive overload and addiction. The study identifies key demographics most susceptible to these effects, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Recommendations for mitigating risks include ergonomic device design, synchronized sensory inputs, and user training. This research underscores the need for the responsible and ethical development of immersive technologies, ensuring they enhance real-world experiences without compromising user well-being. Future studies should focus on long-term health implications, inclusive design, and establishing guidelines to maximize benefits while minimizing risks. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-e75c8a540ef2435985351902dcd0922b |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2227-9709 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Informatics |
| spelling | doaj-art-e75c8a540ef2435985351902dcd0922b2025-08-20T03:26:52ZengMDPI AGInformatics2227-97092025-05-011224710.3390/informatics12020047Health-Related Issues of Immersive Technologies: A Systematic Literature ReviewNkosikhona Theoren Msweli0Mampilo Phahlane1Department of Information Systems, College of Science, Engineering, and Technology, University of South Africa, Pretoria 0003, South AfricaDepartment of Information Systems, College of Science, Engineering, and Technology, University of South Africa, Pretoria 0003, South AfricaThe adoption of immersive technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), is transforming sectors like healthcare, education, entertainment, and retail by offering innovative, simulated experiences. These technologies provide significant benefits, such as enhanced learning, improved patient outcomes, and innovative rehabilitation tools. However, their use also raises concerns about user comfort and potential health impacts. This systematic literature review examines the positive and negative health implications of immersive technologies, drawing insights from 104 peer-reviewed articles. The findings highlight therapeutic and rehabilitation benefits, such as treating anxiety and improving motor skills, alongside physical health concerns like eye strain and cybersickness, and mental health challenges, including cognitive overload and addiction. The study identifies key demographics most susceptible to these effects, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Recommendations for mitigating risks include ergonomic device design, synchronized sensory inputs, and user training. This research underscores the need for the responsible and ethical development of immersive technologies, ensuring they enhance real-world experiences without compromising user well-being. Future studies should focus on long-term health implications, inclusive design, and establishing guidelines to maximize benefits while minimizing risks.https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9709/12/2/47immersive technologyvirtual reality (VR)augmented reality (AR)health implicationssimulator sickness |
| spellingShingle | Nkosikhona Theoren Msweli Mampilo Phahlane Health-Related Issues of Immersive Technologies: A Systematic Literature Review Informatics immersive technology virtual reality (VR) augmented reality (AR) health implications simulator sickness |
| title | Health-Related Issues of Immersive Technologies: A Systematic Literature Review |
| title_full | Health-Related Issues of Immersive Technologies: A Systematic Literature Review |
| title_fullStr | Health-Related Issues of Immersive Technologies: A Systematic Literature Review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Health-Related Issues of Immersive Technologies: A Systematic Literature Review |
| title_short | Health-Related Issues of Immersive Technologies: A Systematic Literature Review |
| title_sort | health related issues of immersive technologies a systematic literature review |
| topic | immersive technology virtual reality (VR) augmented reality (AR) health implications simulator sickness |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9709/12/2/47 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT nkosikhonatheorenmsweli healthrelatedissuesofimmersivetechnologiesasystematicliteraturereview AT mampilophahlane healthrelatedissuesofimmersivetechnologiesasystematicliteraturereview |