With the invention of the computer and as more powerful devices are squeezed into smaller and smaller cases, the problem of posture arose. Some habits when using technology can directly affect many different portions of your body. In the age where hunching over a computer screen for hours at a time is the norm, we should pay more attention to our habits, and take care to protect our bodies from adopting these characteristics of “phone zombies.”
Sitting in front of the computer for long periods of time may cause symptoms of computer-illness. The first part of your body to feel uncomfortable may be your eyes. Though they provide the most accurate picture of your surroundings, your eyes are actually the weakest organ in your body. In general, if the person blinks less than 5 times per minute or less, the eyes will become dry and fatigued, resulting in ghosting and blurred vision. Even worse, staring at a computer screen may elevate your internal eye pressure, which could lead to more serious eye problems or cause permanent eye damage.
As you sit in front of a screen for a long time, you are exposed to the infamous “blue light.” Although blue lights do have some benefits, like boosting alertness, memory, and cognitive function, prolonged exposure to blue light can lead to digital eye strain, or soreness and difficulty focusing. Additionally, retina damage is much more likely, which can lead to macular degeneration, the impairedness in reading and recognizing faces.
Another issue related to using computers for extensive amount of time is called “computer face.” In a study, psychologists found that when you spend most of your time with the computer and not engaging in social activities, such as talking and other forms of communication, you may lose your interest in the surrounding things and as a result become unresponsive to facial expressions and generally unaware of your surroundings.
If you find that you have any of above symptoms, let us put away your computer and
drink some water. Go outside, exercise, talk to friends, and take a break for an hour or so from the computer. As the age of rapid technological innovation consumes people’s social skills, it is undoubtedly a great thing to be healthy and interactive in spite of the allure of new technology.
