Virtual reality can be thrilling, but it has side effects of serious nature. Japanese researchers have warned those using the virtual reality (VR) fans to beware of its overuse as it is expected to negatively impact your visual memory in the long run.

During an experiment with two sets of participants, the researchers discovered that those who wore head-mounted displays performed worst of memory tests later. This leaves no doubt that and establishes for the first time that due to the way it moves images in conjunction with user movements, an overdose of virtual reality interferes with visual memory in a person.

While there are high hopes for VR technology as an educational tool, it is important to create teaching materials that take int account these characteristics of VR, says the study.