Dangers Of Overusing Smart Devices

Smart devices are technological objects that are made with artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the internet of things. 

Everything is smart nowadays. Smartphones, smart cars, smartboards, and even houses are smart these days. But does technology getting smarter mean humans are at risk? Let us find it out in this article!

Dangers Of Gadgets Overuse

The dangers of the overuse of smart devices are mostly related to happiness, self-worth, and relationships. For sure rarely there are any physical dangers associated with digital devices. The overuse of devices is harmful because we easily fall into bad habits when using technology. According to a study, most youths suffer from cybersickness, virtual reality also called digital motion sickness. 

WHO has determined that electronic gadgets like mobiles, laptops, and all smart devices emit non-ionizing radiofrequency radiation(NRFR) which can be hazardous to health.

We have classified the dangers of smart devices overuse into three parts:

1. Health Effects
2. Psychological effects
3. Other dangers

Health Effects

Text neck

Text neck is a real epidemic. We bent our necks frequently to check the newly popped messages on the mobile’s screen. People spend 5 hours every day approximately using their phones. Looking down too much at the cell phone each day can cause text neck. Text neck results in neck pain and soreness. This can also lead to chronic upper back pain. 

Eyestrain 

We are surrounded by technology. Our digital dominant lives are responsible for troubled vision. From tv, laptops, mobile phones to smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, technology is everywhere. Looking at screens for a long time causes eye strain. Digital eyestrain can lead to blurry vision and dry eyes. Some of the factors that cause digital eyestrain are screen brightness, viewing too close, screen glare, and underlying vision issues.

Sleep problem

Most people find it hard to detach themselves from digital screens. Fear of missing something out makes people hanging on to their phones for longer. We use a lot of technologies in everyday life. And they altogether are responsible for our bodies to release less melatonin. The blue light that is emitted from mobile phones, computers, e-readers, disturbs the body’s natural circadian rhythm.

Poor posture

The way people use mobile and computers is responsible for bad postures. Most technological devices require a person to hunch forward and look down at the screen. Also, a university study has proved that smart devices can be responsible for losing your correct posture. 

The overuse of fingers and hand for typing on the keyboard or texting can cause a painful compression of nerves.

Psychological Effects

Depression and anxiety

Overuse of smart devices with negative attitudes and dependency on gadgets may increase the risk of depression and anxiety. According to a report, college students heavily use smart devices and are found to be at greater risk for anxiety and depression. The cause is still unknown but the fact that intense use of gadgets develops feelings of anxiety is true. Experts claim that smart devices cause psychological conditions. 

Screen fatigue

You must have noticed while spending too much time on a device, your body gets tired even without doing anything. The over usage of smart devices drains the brain. Sticking to the screen without any movement for a longer time tires the body and reduces blood circulation. It puts stress on muscles and joints. 

Isolation 

The time spent on unnecessary usage of devices is the time you owe to your family and friends. Technology has introduced social media to keep people connected so that they no more feel alone. But it seems like people are more connected virtually rather than physically. It creates a sense of isolation. 

Stress 

Using a device is a necessity but overusing it increases stress levels. The overuse of devices can cause irritation, frustration, and stress. Also, this can affect digestion, heart, and emotions. This can lead to overeating and eventually gaining weight. Stress is one of the factors causing depression. 

Other Dangers

Security risks

Having a smart home gives a feeling of safety and security as it holds a treasure of personal information. The biggest risks with smart homes are that if devices lack protections and thwart attacks, cybercriminals can hack the device. Once the device is hacked you can be at greater risk.

Identity theft

Identity theft can be a major issue. It occurs when cyber criminals hack your device and track down your personal details and use them to commit fraud. Once a hacker gets access to your personal data, you may get into a bigger problem.

Injuries and accidents

The habit of scrolling while walking, driving can lead to bigger accidents. Not just smartphones are the issue but also smart cars are. The smart car includes a screen that can be distracting while driving. We have even been introduced to self-driving cars, and the recent tesla incident related to that horrifies more. Also, the sudden outburst of electronic devices can lead to serious injury.

Restricting Overuse Of Smart Devices

The overuse of anything slowly converts to addiction. Technology makes our life convenient and fruitful. But that does not mean we totally rely on technologies. 

If you are feeling like you are spending more time with your gadgets then you should probably stop. Limit the time of usage. Always take a break in the middle of your work. After glaring at the screen for 20 minutes, give rest to your eyes at least for 20 seconds. Avoid keeping any electronic gadgets near to your body. Especially, while sleeping, steer clear of your smartphone.

Conclusion 

We, humans, are stronger than smart devices and gadgets but misuse can lead to physical strains and discomfort. Technology has made positive changes and innovative changes in the world. But with positive effects, comes its negative effects too. The effects of constant radiation will eventually result in diminishing our life span. 

The advancements in technology are making humans vulnerable to changes. We are leading to a device-driven lifestyle. Smart devices have become part of our lives, we can not stop using them but can restrict the period of usage.