Hypervigilance

A state of heightened alertness and sensitivity to potential threats in one's environment, commonly associated with PTSD, anxiety disorders, and trauma. Hypervigilant individuals may constantly scan for danger, feel uncomfortable with people behind them, need clear exit routes, and experience heightened startle responses. In technology-mediated environments, hypervigilance can manifest as anxiety about who is near a telepresence robot, difficulty identifying approaching people through limited camera views, and discomfort with unpredictable movements or sounds from devices. Designing accessible technology for people who experience hypervigilance requires attention to predictability, user control, and environmental awareness.