6 Ways Technology Can Hurt instead of Help
We all can agree that technology makes much of our day to day life more efficient and pleasant, especially as college students. However, there are some ways that technology can be a detriment to our health.
Panic Attacks
Psychologists say they've noticed that a new condition called "nomophobia"—short for "no-mobile-phone phobia"—is affecting more and more young people. Symptoms like anxiety and distraction occur when sufferers are separated from their phones and unable to check for updates. Researchers liken this condition to addictions such as gambling.
Computer Vision Syndrome
Staring at a computer screen for hours at a time isn't doing your eyes any favors: doing so can lead to computer vision syndrome, with symptoms including eyestrain, headaches, and blurred vision. To alleviate problems, try to reduce glare on your monitor, blink often, and take frequent breaks.
Texting Thumb
Hand specialists have reported a rise in tendinitis of the thumbs due, they say, to an increase in cell phone and computer use. Warning signs of the condition include tingling or numbness. If you have an afflicted finger, help it heal by resting it or with physical therapy.
Bad Posture
Sitting in a hunched position at your desk all day can lead to back pain down the line—not good. To alleviate discomfort, try a Thoracic Bridge stretch (this and other stretches can be found here, along with video instruction).
Cell Phone Elbow
One might fall victim to this ailment no matter how smart their phone is, but "cell phone elbow" refers to a condition where people hurt an "essential nerve in their arm by bending their elbows too tightly for too long," according to CNN. You might notice discomfort if you hold your phone next to your ear for a long conversation. Possible solutions? Switch hands, or use headphones with built-in mics or Bluetooth headsets.
Cybersickness
Researchers have puzzled over this condition for years, and found that it affected people who spent time in virtual reality (VR). Unfortunately, VR today includes more common experiences like 3D movies, or even HD displays on your phone or tablet. (Apple moved to update its operating system on iPhones and iPads following reports that iOS7 made some users queasy, if you can believe that.) Symptoms include nausea and headaches.
Of course, this is a short list of the most common problems. Here's to knowing!
Panic Attacks
Psychologists say they've noticed that a new condition called "nomophobia"—short for "no-mobile-phone phobia"—is affecting more and more young people. Symptoms like anxiety and distraction occur when sufferers are separated from their phones and unable to check for updates. Researchers liken this condition to addictions such as gambling.
Computer Vision Syndrome
Staring at a computer screen for hours at a time isn't doing your eyes any favors: doing so can lead to computer vision syndrome, with symptoms including eyestrain, headaches, and blurred vision. To alleviate problems, try to reduce glare on your monitor, blink often, and take frequent breaks.
Texting Thumb
Hand specialists have reported a rise in tendinitis of the thumbs due, they say, to an increase in cell phone and computer use. Warning signs of the condition include tingling or numbness. If you have an afflicted finger, help it heal by resting it or with physical therapy.
Bad Posture
Sitting in a hunched position at your desk all day can lead to back pain down the line—not good. To alleviate discomfort, try a Thoracic Bridge stretch (this and other stretches can be found here, along with video instruction).
Cell Phone Elbow
One might fall victim to this ailment no matter how smart their phone is, but "cell phone elbow" refers to a condition where people hurt an "essential nerve in their arm by bending their elbows too tightly for too long," according to CNN. You might notice discomfort if you hold your phone next to your ear for a long conversation. Possible solutions? Switch hands, or use headphones with built-in mics or Bluetooth headsets.
Cybersickness
Researchers have puzzled over this condition for years, and found that it affected people who spent time in virtual reality (VR). Unfortunately, VR today includes more common experiences like 3D movies, or even HD displays on your phone or tablet. (Apple moved to update its operating system on iPhones and iPads following reports that iOS7 made some users queasy, if you can believe that.) Symptoms include nausea and headaches.
Of course, this is a short list of the most common problems. Here's to knowing!
No comments: