Dr. David Berson

All of these animals are trying hard

to keep the image of the world stable on their retina as much of the time as they possibly can.

And then when they've got to move, make it fast, make it quick, and then stabilize again.

I mean, I think the fundamental problem typically when you get motion sick is what they call visual vestibular conflict.

That is, you have two sensory systems that are talking to your brain about how you're moving through the world.

And as long as they agree, you're fine.

So if you're driving, your body senses that you're moving forward.

Your vestibular systems is picking up this acceleration of the car and your visual system is seeing the consequences of forward motion in the sweeping of the scene past you.

Everything is honky dory, right?

No problem.

But when you are headed forward, but you're looking at your cell phone, what is your retina seeing?

Your retina is seeing the stable image of the screen.

There's absolutely no motion.

in that screen.

Or if you're playing a game or you're watching a video, a football game, you know, the motion is uncoupled with what's actually happening to your body.

Your brain doesn't like that.

Your brain likes everything to be, you know, aligned.

And if it's not, it's going to complain to you.

By making me feel nauseous.

By making you feel nauseous and maybe you'll change your behavior.