Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): Are They Safe?

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies capture everyone’s imagination with use cases and an unlimited potential for future implementations. While these concepts have been around for decades, they continue to be buzzwords with a fascinating flavor of science fiction. The truth is that the VR and AR combination is close to mainstream adoption these days, with plenty of examples of successful projects creating ripples in ecommerce, entertainment, and many other industries.

Current and Future Market Forecasts

Like other emerging enterprise technologies such as cloud or artificial intelligence (AI), use of AR/VR technology is positioned for extraordinary growth within the next six years. The total forecasted market value of AR/VR is US$16.8 billion in 2019. Where the AR/VR market is projected to go from 2019 is incredibly unpredictable due to other factors such as 5G and robotic technology, but current market predictions from market research firms (e.g., Business Wire, Transparency Market Research, Goldman Sachs Research) have market growth projections ranging between US$34 billion and US$547 billion through 2025, with a minimum compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 40 percent. The AR/VR market continues to be geared primarily toward gaming, followed by entertainment (i.e., television, movies), with North America currently dominating sales and usage as of 2018. The Asia Pacific region is expected to become dominant through the forecast period into 2025 as adoption and investment increase.

Physical Safety Risks in AR and VR

Motion Sickness and Disorientation: One of the most common issues with VR is motion sickness, also known as "VR sickness." It occurs when there’s a disconnect between what users see in the virtual world and what their body feels. This can lead to dizziness, nausea, and disorientation. Similarly, AR can cause discomfort when the overlay of virtual elements doesn’t align well with the real-world environment.
Physical Injuries from Movement: Both AR and VR often require users to move around in physical space. With VR, users may trip, fall, or collide with objects in their environment. AR, though generally safer, can cause accidents when users get distracted by virtual content and fail to pay attention to their surroundings.

Digital and Data Security Concerns

Data Privacy Issues: Both AR and VR technologies collect vast amounts of personal data, from physical movement to eye-tracking, location, and even voice commands. This data can be vulnerable to breaches if not properly protected. In AR, personal data can also be inadvertently exposed to other users or third parties through shared experiences.
Hacking and Malware Risks: AR and VR devices are typically connected to the internet, making them susceptible to hacking, malware, and other digital threats. Cybercriminals could exploit vulnerabilities in the hardware or software to gain unauthorized access to users’ data or even remotely control devices.
Phishing and Social Engineering Attacks: As AR and VR experiences become more immersive, cybercriminals can craft more convincing phishing attacks. For example, AR may display fake alerts or notifications that trick users into entering personal information or installing malware, while VR might be used to simulate phishing scenarios within virtual environments.

Psychological and Social Risks

Addiction and Overuse: With the immersive nature of VR and AR, users may become overly engrossed in virtual environments, leading to addiction or overuse. This can result in physical health problems, social isolation, and impaired cognitive development, particularly in children or vulnerable individuals.
Desensitization and Disconnection from Reality: Prolonged use of VR, in particular, can blur the lines between real and virtual worlds. Users may become desensitized to certain situations or lose touch with the real world, especially in gaming or simulation-heavy environments.

Are AR and VR Safe?

AR and VR hold tremendous potential to transform how we interact with the world, but like any emerging technology, they come with risks. From physical injuries and motion sickness to data security and psychological effects, the safety of AR and VR ultimately depends on how they are used and safeguarded.

By understanding these risks and implementing strategies to mitigate them, users and businesses can enjoy the benefits of AR and VR while minimizing the potential dangers. As these technologies continue to evolve, staying informed and adopting best practices will be key to ensuring their safe and secure use.