Information Technology and Health Issues
Although there have been reports of health problems caused by video display terminals (VDTs), no conclusive study indicates that VDTs are the cause, despite all the complaints. Work habits can cause some physical problems, however, and so can the work environment in which computers are used—static electricity, inadequate ventilation, poor lighting, dry air, unsuitable furniture, and too few rest breaks.
The increasing popularity of touchscreens on smartphones, tablets, and some PCs may result in more stress-related injuries of the users’ hands, arms, back, and eyes. Because these devices can be accessed almost anywhere and are used in any number of body positions (most of which involve poor posture), users should exercise caution and take frequent breaks. Text neck is a relatively new terminology that describes neck pain and damage caused from looking down frequently at smartphones, tablets, or other handheld devices. It is affecting millions of people all over the world, particularly teenagers and young adults.
Repetitive typing with thumbs or navigating through various pages and apps is causing another health issue for many smartphone users called “smartphone thumb,” also called tendinitis. It causes pain around the thumb, and it used to be seen among factory workers in the past. Using the speech feature available on most smartphones, taking periodic breaks, and performing daily stretching exercises could alleviate this problem to a degree.
Mobile devices, particularly smartphones, may have serious health and other negative impacts on teenagers. Half of teenagers believe they’re addicted to their smartphones. Here are the major negative impacts:
• Teen tendonitis: Too much texting and poor posture cause pain in the hands, back, and neck.
• Stress: Too much time spent on handheld devices causes stress and fatigue.
• Sleep loss: Because most teenagers (and many adults) keep their smartphones nearby while sleeping, sleep interruption and sleep deprivation may result.
• Accidents: Some teens use their smartphones while driving for answering calls or texts; this may cause accidents.
• Increased anxiety: Delays in response or no response causes anxiety for teens.
• Cyberbullying: Studies show that nearly one-third of teens are victims of cyberbullying where identities of the perpetrators cannot be recognized.
• Risk of cancer: Although this is not conclusive, teens may have a greater risk of developing brain cancer for excessive use of smartphones compared to adults.
Yet, according to some reports, there is a disorder developing in young adults called “Snapchat dysmorphia.” Snapchat offers several features that can animate a human face with special effects. Some doctors believe individuals are seeking plastic surgery to permanently look like the filtered versions of themselves, which is quite dangerous.
Other reports of health problems related to computer equipment include vision problems, such as eye fatigue, itching, and blurriness; musculoskeletal problems (back strain and wrist pain); skin problems, such as rashes; reproductive problems, such as miscarriages; and stress-related problems (headaches and depression). Ergonomics experts believe that using better-designed furniture as well as flexible or wireless keyboards, correct lighting, special monitors for workers with vision problems, and so forth can solve many of these problems.
Another recent health issue is the amount of time some people spend on the Web playing games, participating in chat rooms, and other activities. Although the Internet can provide valuable educational resources, too much time on the Web can create psychological, social, and health problems, especially for young people. Another heath/emotional issue is related to the well-being of children. Recent research revealed that children feel “hidden sadness” when their parents spend too much time on their digital gadgets, including smartphones. Children indicated that they have a hard time getting time or attention from their parents.
Research conducted by security company AVG found that one-third of children indicated that their parents spend as much or more time with their gadgets than with them, and one-third said they feel unimportant when their parents are distracted by their phones. Lack of paying close attention to children could be dangerous. There has been a nearly 22 percent increase in preventable accidents by young children when their parents are using their gadgets. Another health-related issue is Internet addiction, of which there are five types:
• Cybersexual: Cybersex and Internet porn
• Web compulsions: Online gambling, shopping, or stock trading
• Cyber-relationships: Social media, online dating, and other virtual communication
• Gaming: Online game playing
• Information seeking: Web surfing or database searches
A study published in 2016 showed that the number of people in the United States spending more than 20 hours a week on the Internet nearly doubled between 2008 and 2015, to more than 43 million people. This significant increase raises the issue of Internet addiction in society. Internet addiction is a type of compulsive behavior that interferes with a person’s normal activities and causes stress and other health issues. Internet addiction includes a variety of activities, such as online gambling, gaming, shopping, stock trading, and pornography. Researchers estimate that about 6 percent of the world population is addicted to the Internet—or more than 420 million individuals. Experts believe that many of us, particularly Millennials, are addicted to their smartphones. The following are a few statistics to back up this claim:
• A typical person checks his or her smartphone 100 times a day.
• Forty percent of people check their smartphones while using the bathroom.
• One in 10 people use their smartphones in the shower.
Another health-related issue is distracted walking, which causes 11,000 injuries a year in the United States alone. This is walking while using a smartphone for texting, watching videos, and other activities. Common risks associated with distracted walking include injuring someone else, trips, sprains, strains, fractures, cuts, bruises, broken bones, concussions, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and death.
Another epidemic is the number of selfie deaths around the world. A recent report indicated that 259 people died between 2011 and 2017 while stepping in front of a smartphone camera in often dangerous places in order to take a selfie.
Experts offer several recommendations for overcoming addiction to the Internet, smartphone, or other computing devices:
• Admit that you have a problem.
• Limit your Internet and smartphone use.
• Change communication patterns by not using mobile devices.
• Socialize with family and friends more.
• Find interests that does not involve mobile devices.
• Set and adhere to a schedule for mobile device use.
• Keep mobile devices inaccessible.
• Turn off your mobile devices at certain times of the day.
• Don’t bring your mobile device to bed.
• Ask for professional help!
The “Health and Social Issues of Online Gaming” box discusses some of these problems.