The Physical And Emotional Consequences Of The Technological Age

Chiropractic Article

Oh, the promise of technology. Remember how we were told it would lead to freedom to acquire information and would be a great equalizer, with everyone able to express opinions and facts? It didn't entirely turn out that way, as we have seen the censorship conducted by Twitter, Facebook and Google for several years.

There are many positives to the technological world. We can access data on virtually any subject, so the scope for self-education is tremendous. However, we must be mindful that some of the information we get is tainted due to the algorithms used by tech companies. I want to address four physical and emotional consequences.

I want to address four major areas:

1. Excessive Sitting

2. Social Disconnection

3. Radiation To Eyes and Brain

4. Spinal Distortion

Excessive Sitting

Besides being unhealthy for the spine, excessive sitting damages us in other ways. One reason we have so much obesity today is the many hours of sitting in front of a computer or on our phones. The result, especially in older people, is an increase in osteoporosis. The lack of exercise increases the risk of a cardiovascular event, and being cooped up indoors means a person lacks adequate sunshine resulting in vitamin D deficiency.

Social Disconnection

Let's face it, sitting in front of a computer is not socially stimulating. Yes, we have social media; however, often, it is accompanied by bullying and trolling, which can be emotionally upsetting.

Technology means less social and personal contact, and it's not uncommon for it to lead to addiction. As reported from China, you have a situation where some men wear nappies so they don't have to leave the confines of their computers.

With no personal contact and touching, there is no ability to assess body language and a greater chance of depression. Also, when you read the 'successes' of others on the internet, it makes some feel inadequate, leading to increased insecurity and depression.

Radiation To Eyes And Brain

Two factors affect the amount of radiation exposure; distant from the source and time spent near the source. Devices such as mobile phones and wifi routers emit radio frequency waves. There is controversy about whether these are cancer-inducing however, it can’t be healthy to be exposed day in and day out for many hours.

The average person in Australia spends almost 11 hours a day using technology. For a child time spent is also increasing. Since 2015, Australia has seen a 5% increase (41% to 46%) in the number of children aged 6 to 13, using a mobile phone.

Spinal Distortion