is technology harmful
Answers
All manner of technology surrounds us. From our personal laptops, tablets, and phones to behind-the-scenes technology that furthers medicine, science, and education.
Technology is here to stay, but it’s always morphing and expanding. As each new technology enters the scene, it has the potential to improve lives. But, in some cases, it also has the potential to negatively affect physical and emotional health.
Read on as we take a look at a few possible negative effects of technology and provide tips on healthier ways to use it.
Digital eye strain
According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), prolonged use of computers, tablets, and cellphones can lead to digital eye strain.
Symptoms of digital eye strain may include:
blurred vision
dry eyes
headaches
neck and shoulder pain
Contributing factors are screen glare, bad lighting, and improper viewing distance.
The AOA recommends the 20-20-20 rule to ease eye strain. To follow this rule, try to take a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something that’s 20 feet away.
Musculoskeletal problems
When you use a smartphone, the chances are that you’re holding your head in an unnatural forward-leaning position. This position puts a lot of stress on your neck, shoulders, and spine.
A small 2017 study found a clear association between self-reported addiction to smartphone use and neck problems.
An earlier study found that among teens, neck-shoulder pain and low back pain rose during the 1990s at the same time that the use of information and communication technology was increasing.
Overuse of technology can also lead to repetitive strain injuries of the fingers, thumbs, and wrists.
If you’re feeling the pain of technology, you can take the following steps to reduce these issues:
take frequent breaks to stretch
create an ergonomic workspace
maintain proper posture while using your devices
If pain persists, see a doctor.
Sleep problems
Technology in the bedroom can interfere with sleep in a number of ways.
A 2015 study demonstrated that exposure to the blue light that devices emit can suppress melatonin and interrupt your circadian clock. Both of these effects can make it harder to fall asleep and result in you being less alert in the morning.
Having electronic devices in the bedroom places temptation at your fingertips, and it can make switching off more difficult. That, in turn, can make it harder to drift off when you try to sleep.
ADVERTISEMENT
Try a top-rated app for meditation and sleep
Experience 100+ guided meditations with Calm’s award-winning meditation app. Designed for all experience levels, and available when you need it most in your day. Start your free trial today.
Emotional problems
Using social media can make you feel more connected to the world. But, comparing yourself to others can leave you feeling inadequate or left out.
A recent study looked at the social media use of more than 1,700 people between the ages of 19 and 32. The researchers found that those with high social media use felt more socially isolated than those who spent less time on social media.
The researchers used a broad definition of screen time that included:
television
video games
phones
tech toys
They conducted the simple correlational study using an anonymous online survey. The study authors concluded that parents and caregivers should help children learn to reduce overall screen time.
According to the Mayo Clinic, unstructured playtime is better for a child’s developing brain than electronic media. At 2 years old, children can benefit from some screen time, but it shouldn’t replace other important learning opportunities, including playtime.
Research has linked too much screen time or low-quality screen time to:
behavioral problems
less time for play and loss of social skills
sleep problems
violence
Like adults, children who spend a lot of time on digital devices can experience symptoms of eye strain. The
AOA advises parents and caregivers to watch for signs of digital eye strain in children and to encourage frequent visual breaks.
A 2018 study of adolescents ages 15 and 16 found an association between frequent use of digital media and the development of symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The study involved a longitudinal cohort of students who self-reported their use of 14 digital media activities, and it included a 24-month follow-up period. More research is necessary to confirm whether it’s a causal association.
hope this helps u
you don't know hindi. nothing to worry
I know hindi and english both.