The pandemic has led everyone to work from home, contributing to the excess use of smartphone devices, laptops, gadgets, and systems. The overuse of these technological products might lead to side-effects on health. Analysis and research from SlickText, the leader in Text Marketing convey that on average, Indian smartphone owners unlock their phones 150 times a day.
Few negative effects of technology on health care are -
1. Less Physical Activity — As smartphone devices and other technological products are increasingly used, the mobility of people has declined. This has contributed to a sedentary lifestyle leading to health consequences like obesity, high blood pressure, etc.
2. Weak Eyesight — Screens of smartphone devices, laptops, and radiations emitted by them lead to strain on the eyes and make them dry. Electromagnetic waves emitted on smartphone overuse are classified as “carcinogenic to humans” according to the research of the World Health Organisation and International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
3. Poor posture, musculoskeletal issues in the workplace:
According to the National Centre of Biotech Information, the analysis is done considering Indian BPO and IT employees conveyed that 56% of employees had muscular problems, 22% had hypertension, 10% had diabetes, 36% had dyslipidemia, 54% had depression and 40% had obesity. More use of mobile devices and computers affects body posture leading to back pain, neck pain, and muscular issues.
4. Reduced Social Interaction — One of the ill-effects of technology is getting disconnected from the real world. The virtual world of your phone and social media become more significant.
Here are some tips and tricks to help you limit your screen time and thus avoid the ill-effects -
Limit social media use — Use social media marketing productively and in moderation.
Reduce Smartphone Addiction — Use your cell phone smartly. Turn off mobile data and other notifications when not needed. Track your data use. Set a limit. Set your screen to night mode and turn off Wi-Fi when not needed.
Reduce eye strain — Ensure there is no overhead light to avoid glaring at the screen. Sit in a position with an arm’s distance from the screen.
Lifestyle preferences — Getting involved in house chores, exercising indoors, yoga at home, brisk walking indoors would be beneficial.
Ergonomics is also important-that includes optimizing the working environment to eliminate any discomfort during work. For reducing muscular stress during work, eliminate any disturbances, risk factors, or wrong body postures.
It’s essential to follow these precautions to avoid facing any side-effects of technology considering the growing trend towards technology use. Importance should be given now to prevent than to cure any critical health consequences later.
