Societal Impacts

Health and Technology

Awareness about Health concerns related to the use of Technology

Technology revolution has made our lives with so much convenient that people would hardly imagine life without computer, internet, cable TV, cellular phones, various tools and gadgets. Computers are one of the main tools in businesses, educational institutes, offices, homes and even in cars.

Health Issues

On one hand, these technologies including computers have made lives so much easy but on the other hand have created many risks for human health.

The negative risks associated with the usage of these technologies are increasing with their growing demand day by day.

Musculoskeletal Problems– Due to incorrect posture of using the computer create musculoskeletal problems like body’s back, neck, chest, arms, shoulders and feet like muscles being tired.
Vision Problems– Finding that you constantly focusing on the screen with delays in blinking can result in drying out your eyes.
Repetitive Stress Injuries – You may notice pain in your neck, shoulders, or really anywhere from the shoulders to your fingers related to repetitive muscle use.
Headaches – Headaches are common and may occur because of the increased muscle tension or from pain in the neck. Any vision problems, or continued strain on the eyes can also cause headaches.
Obesity – Prolonged use of computers may lead lacks of physical activity and/or exercise, is a major contributing factor to obesity.
Stress Disorders – Technology impacts our behaviours and emotions and it increase the stress.
Sleeping Problems – Artificial lighting that is given off from computer screens can actually trick your brain and suppress its release of melatonin – the substance that assists your sleeping patterns.
Hearing Loss From Headphones – Listening to audio with headphones on a consistent basis and using a volume that is too high can result in hearing impairment.
Increased Risk of Blood Clots – Sitting in one position for too long (especially if your legs are crossed), generally over a period of over 4 hours, can greatly increase your risk for Blood clots.

How to avoid these Health Issues with Technology

Find a correct height for both your desk and chair so that your computer screen is at eye level or slightly lower. Sit with your back straight, legs at 90 degree angles to the floor, and feet resting flat on the floor.
ALWAYS take small breaks from your computer work to stretch your muscles, keep your blood flowing, and to rest your eyes.
Adjust the brightness on your computer screen and maintain a proper vision distance from the screen, and do not forget to blink.
Relax your arms and try to get a few stretches in when you are not typing or using your mouse.
Keep the volume of your headphones down to a tolerable level.
Try yoga, exercise and meditation time to time or regular basis.
Refrain from using a computer right before going to bed.

Finally, It looks like using Technology is a bad thing but we cannot survive without Technology. We can reduce the risk of Technology on our health by using it with proper care, as mentioned above.

Class 11 Informatics Practices