iOS 17 users in therapy trigger awkward fireworks unintentionally،
Online therapy sessions are becoming a grinding parade thanks to a particular feature in iOS 17 that’s not intended to do so, but here we are.
Apple’s new operating system brings many improvements to FaceTime, including the option for 3D reactions that appear when users make specific hand gestures (via 9to5Mac). So far so good – it’s part of the evolution of online communication. However, in some special scenarios and situations, the new FaceTime effects can turn into truly embarrassing moments, such as during online therapy sessions.
These new features in iOS 17 (and macOS Sonoma) trigger when users perform hand and finger gestures in front of the camera, such as thumbs up, thumbs down, or “hearts.” That’s when 3D emojis, balloons, confetti and even fireworks appear on the screen during a video call behind the user.
The Verge tells the story of a user who set off such unwanted fireworks in the FaceTime background during a therapy session when he gave a two-handed thumbs up while describing one of his trauma. He was asked a question and in response he gave a thumbs up. That’s when the background exploded into colorful pyrotechnics.
Although iOS 17 is brand new, the problem spread in no time, causing telehealth platforms to display a message at the start of therapy sessions: a warning dialog box. Although users can turn these reactions off, they are enabled by default – so many people have no idea.
Here’s how to turn off 3D reactions in video calls:
