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. 2017 Dec 19;19(12):e419. doi: 10.2196/jmir.7467

Table 3.

Distribution of negative beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions toward virtual reality in Facebook comments posted in response to the video.


Negative theme of Facebook comment identified through qualitative analysis
Value (N=251a), n (%)
Concerns of VRbeffects in health care (N=164)

Paranoia or barriers (N=117)


Insurance coverage and cost 77 (30.7)


Societal dependence on technology 26 (10.7)


Information that is transmitted to user 7 (2.8)


Barrier to discharge 3 (1.2)


Creates difficulties in caring for patient 2 (0.8)


What happens in the room while patient uses VR 2 (0.8)

Threats to patient health (N=31)


Motion sickness 11 (4.4)


Vision complications 10 (4.0)


Spread of bacteria 4 (1.6)


Radiation/emissions/cancer 3 (1.2)


Falling off bed 3 (1.2)

Negative effects on specific groups (N=16)


Pregnancy or labor 10 (1.6)


Psychiatric or brain injury 3 (1.2)


Mental illness 3 (1.2)
General hesitation/negative reaction (N=87)

Disinterest (N=67)


Generally unnecessary or excessive 42 (16.7)


Drugs and alcohol achieve the same goal 25 (9.7)

More research necessary (N=20)


Idea can be improved or advanced 17 (6.78)


More research needed to support claims 3 (1.2)

aTotal does not add up to 100% due to multiple codes per Facebook comment and rounding.

bVR: virtual reality.