When Virtual Backgrounds Become a Risk: The Hidden Hazards for People with Migraines, Seizures, and Photosensitivity

By Fiona (Fee) Stevenson

Virtual backgrounds—the sort used in video calls and online meetings—are often promoted as a way to preserve privacy, create a professional appearance, or make meetings more fun. But for many people with certain medical conditions, they can pose serious risks. For individuals with photosensitive epilepsy, chronic migraine, vestibular disorders or other light sensitivity conditions, virtual backgrounds may trigger discomfort, headaches, dizziness, or even seizures.

Why virtual backgrounds can be harmful

• Flicker, movement and high contrast visuals can trigger physical reactions. 

Virtual backgrounds often employ animations, shifting images, blurs or dynamic effects to separate you from your real surroundings. Unfortunately, movement like this — especially if rapid or repetitive — is known to provoke adverse reactions in some people.

• Screens alone add risk when brightness, contrast and motion combine 

While modern flat panel screens are less likely to flicker at the hardware level, the content on the screen matters. Rapidly changing backgrounds, shifting lighting or contrasting patterns may stimulate sensitive visual systems.

• Not everyone knows they’re photosensitive until a trigger occurs. 

Many people never discover their sensitivity until exposed to a problematic visual stimulus. Virtual backgrounds could inadvertently expose people to serious risk — without them being aware of their susceptibility.

Who is particularly at risk?

– People with photosensitive epilepsy 

– Individuals with migraines, especially those triggered by light 

– Those with vestibular or motion sensitivity issues 

– People with undiagnosed or latent sensitivity

Wider implications: accessibility, inclusion, and digital equity

As remote communication expands, virtual backgrounds have become normalised — but without adequate awareness of their health risks. Providers, employers and organisers share a responsibility to ensure digital environments do not unintentionally exclude or endanger users.

What individuals and organisations can do

– Choose plain, static backgrounds 

– Reduce screen brightness and contrast 

– Take regular breaks 

– Enable “reduce motion” or accessibility features 

– Encourage colleagues to avoid animated or high?contrast backgrounds

Final thoughts

Virtual backgrounds may appear harmless, yet for many they present a genuine health concern. Prioritising accessibility and safer design choices helps create digital spaces where everyone can participate without risk.