How Technology Affects Your Body:
Now, how on EARTH does technology affect your brain? Nothing bad, it seems, right? DEFINITELY UNTRUE. I guess you already know that your eyes can get damaged, but we're going to dive a little bit deeper! Swallow some air, we're going for a ride!
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Eyes
Let's start with the obvious. Pretty much everyone knows that you shouldn't stare at a screen to long, because your eyes get strained and blah, blah, blah. Usually goes within the lines of, "You're eyes will get damaged and it's not good for you!" Anyways, let's start!
If you read the "Technology and Your Brain" page, then you know at least something about blue light, right? If you didn't read it, then this is my basic definition:
Blue light is a light with energy between red, orange, yellow and green light and UV rays. Blue light is emitted from the sun and other things (such as electronic devices).
Our eyes are actually very good at blocking UV rays from reaching the retina (a nerve that is at the back of your eye that when senses light and sends that image to your brain (and the macula makes small details clearer)) to the point where less than 1% of the UV radiation reaches your retina! That doesn't mean you shouldn't wear sunglasses though. Sunglasses will protect other parts of your eye. Unfortunately, blue light passes through your eye like there is no traffic. Which leads to some problems. To much exposure to blue light can damage your sensitive retina cells. That then causes changes that are similar to those of macular degeneration (causes blurred or no vision in the center of your visual field). Your eyes will get dry and
strained, no doubt about it. That is if you use too much.
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2. Muscles
Yes, more things then your eyes can get hurt through technology. First off, the legendary text neck (no it's actually really bad)! So, you can get a text neck easily enough. A text neck is also know as "forward head posture" and is the position of which you usually sit while using your phone, or reading. Being in this posture is HORRIBLE for your neck muscles. This is because your neck muscles are only designed to hold up your head, which is only 10-12 pounds. You realize how you bend your head over when using a phone and such right? Research says that every inch (or
DID YOU KNOW?
Putting your chin to your neck can make the load on your neck up to 60 pounds! That's approximately 27 kilograms.
so) doubles the load on your neck. This makes your neck muscles sore and inflamed, and over-time could even pull you spine out of alignment! Keep yourself in the correct posture people!
This one is something I bet all those working people know. They probably sit for a really long time in a chair. I mean I'd think that's what you'd do in an office... the
point is, it's bad to sit anywhere for a really long time. Sitting for an incredible lengths of time can create health problems, including strained neck, back problems, organ damage, and even increased risk of colon, endometrial, and breast cancers. Lastly, any repetitive movements - like grasping your phone - can cause muscle tension and irritate physical conditions. Really have to be careful around everything, don't you.
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3. Skin
Let's face it. There is bacteria EVERYWHERE. And that includes your phones and laptops. And where do you put your phone? On your face, my friend. All that pesky bacteria gets onto your face, and can cause acne and eczema breakouts.
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You can tell that lots of bad things can happen... so please be careful! I suppose nothing is absolutely harmless. Anyway, if you want to know how you can prevent all the negative affects of technology, go to the Prevention page! I hope you aware now...
Citations / Sources:
“Technology Usage and the Physical Effects on Your Body.” What Is A Computer Virus?, us.norton.com/internetsecurity-how-to-technology-usage-and-the-physical-effects-on-your-body.html.
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Heiting, Gary. “7 Blue Light Facts: How Blue Light Is Both Bad and Good For You.” All About Vision, www.allaboutvision.com/cvs/blue-light.htm.