Risk factors for motion sickness include age, sex, preexisting medical conditions, and concurrent medications. Children aged 2?12 years are especially susceptible, but infants and toddlers are generally immune. Adults >50 years are less susceptible to motion sickness.

Motion sickness, or kinetosis, affects individuals differently based on genetics, age, and physiological factors. Children between the ages of 2 and 12 are significantly more prone to it than adults, as their vestibular systems are still developing. Women are also statistically more likely to experience symptoms, particularly during pregnancy or certain phases of the menstrual cycle due to hormonal fluctuations. People who suffer from migraines often have a higher sensitivity to motion as well. The condition occurs when there is a sensory conflict: your eyes see one thing (like a stationary car interior), but your inner ear senses movement. Beyond biology, those who sit in the back of vehicles, read while moving, or lack a view of the horizon are at higher risk. In 2026, while new digital treatments and "anti-nausea" wearables are becoming common, those with high "sensory conflict" sensitivity remain the most vulnerable group, requiring careful seating choices—such as the front seat of a car or the middle of a ship—to minimize the mismatch between visual and physical stimuli.