Usage Tips: How Does Technology Affect Your Health?

Mar 8, 2023

Technology surrounds us. From our laptops, tablets, and phones to behind-the-scenes technologies that contribute to the development of medicine, science, and education. Technologies are here to stay, but they are always being transformed and expanded. Every new technology has the potential to improve and simplify people’s lives. But in some cases, it can also negatively affect physical and emotional health. 

And for a positive experience with technology, visit live casino online. And get to know some of the possible negative consequences of the technology and provide tips for its healthier use.

Here is how technology affects your health

Digital Eye Strain

According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), prolonged use of computers, tablets, and mobile phones can lead to digital eye strain.

Symptoms of digital eye strain may include:

  • blurred vision,
  • dry eyes,
  • headaches,
  • neck and shoulder pain.

Factors contributing to this are glare on the screen, poor lighting, and incorrect viewing distance. The 20-20-20 rule is recommended to relieve eye strain. To follow this rule, try to take a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at what is 20 feet away.

AI technology

Musculoskeletal Diseases

When you use a smartphone, there is a chance that you are holding your head in an unnatural forward position. This position causes severe tension on the neck, shoulders, and spine.

A small study conducted in 2017 revealed a clear link between self-dependence on smartphone use and neck problems. An earlier study showed that in the 1990s, neck-shoulder, and lower back pain increased among adolescents, while the use of information and communication technologies expanded. Excessive use of technology can also lead to repetitive injuries to fingers, thumbs, and wrists.

If you feel pain from the technology, you can take the following steps to reduce these problems:

  • take frequent breaks for stretching,
  • create an ergonomic workspace,
  • maintain proper posture while using the devices.

Sleep Problems

According to the National Sleep Foundation, 90 percent of people say they use technological devices in the hour before bedtime, which can be physiologically and psychologically stimulating enough to affect sleep.

A study conducted in 2015 showed that exposure to blue light emitted by devices can suppress melatonin and interrupt the work of the circadian clock. These effects can affect sleep and worsen falling asleep, so affect and worsen cheerfulness in the morning.

The presence of electronic devices in the bedroom is subject to temptation, and this can make it difficult to turn them off. This, in turn, can make it difficult to switch off when trying to fall asleep.

Emotional Problems

Using social media can make you feel more connected to the world. But comparing yourself to other people can leave you feeling inferior or neglected.

Recently, a study was also conducted on the impact of social networks on people. The study involved about 2,000 people aged 18 to 35 years. Researchers have found that people with high levels of social media user feel more socially isolated than those who spend less time on social media.

A 2011 cross-source survey of high school students in Connecticut found that Internet use is problematic for about 4 percent of participants.

The researchers noted that there may be a link between problematic Internet use and depression, drug use, and aggressive behavior. They also noted that high school students, who, according to the researchers, tend to be heavier Internet users, may be less aware of these problems.

Results

Technology allows humanity to take a big step forward in development. However, they harm the physical and emotional health of a person. We hope that this article was useful for you and you will be able to take care of your health.

Check out what’s new on our YouTube channel. Subscribe to follow for the latest videos and news in the ecosystem.

Check out other Microsoft stories making the news across Africa and the Middle East region.