When VR Lingers: Cybersickness, Stress, and the Hidden Ergonomic Cost of Immersion

Abstract

Virtual reality offers unprecedented immersive experiences, but its effects do not necessarily end when the headset comes off. I will share recent research showing that VR-induced cybersickness can elevate stress hormones and reduce cognitive performance for up to 90 minutes post-exposure. These findings underscore the importance of considering delayed symptoms and recovery phases when designing XR applications and experiments, and raise new questions about long-term ergonomics in immersive technologies.S

Bio
Daniel is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). Previously, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher in the HCI group at Trier University, Germany. He earned his doctoral degree in 2020 from the Virtual Reality and Immersive Visualization group at RWTH Aachen University (Germany), specializing in desk-centered Cross-Reality applications. His interdisciplinary collaborations have involved neuroscientists, psychologists, medical technicians, archaeologists, biologists, and geologists in projects such as the EU flagship initiative HBP (Human Brain Project). In 2013, he obtained his Master’s degree in Computer Science from RWTH Aachen University, focusing on algorithmic correction mechanisms for optically tracked anatomical joints.

Daniel is passionate about spatial user interaction and human perception, particularly how perception can be influenced and applied within the sandbox of extended reality. He is equally dedicated to methodological rigor and robust research practices, ensuring that his work contributes reliable and transferable insights. His research explores areas such as virtual locomotion, spatial orientation, and ergonomic factors like cybersickness. Moreover, he is dedicated to transferring insights from these fields into various application domains, with a particular focus on biological and geological simulation and areas that serve the greater good, such as health, well-being, and environmental change.