What if cellphones became so powerful that they could actually reshape our bones? This intriguing idea has recently gained attention in the media, sparked by a scientific report suggesting that frequent use of phones and tablets might lead to significant and lasting changes in our bodies—but not in the ways you might expect.
The report comes from researchers David Shahar and Mark Sayers, biomechanics experts at Australia's University of the Sunshine Coast. Biomechanics explores how mechanical principles apply to living organisms, from human movement to insect flight. Their study also delves into osteobiography, a field that examines how a person’s bones reveal details about their lifestyle. It’s well-known that skeletons adapt to activities over time, with each set of bones telling its own story. For instance, large skeletons discovered on the Pacific island of Tinian in 1924 were linked to the use of heavy stones, resulting in larger arms, legs, and collarbones.
In their research, Shahar and Sayers propose that modern technology is similarly reshaping the skeletons of younger generations. Specifically, they highlight the emergence of changes in the external occipital protuberance (EOP)—a bony growth on the back of the skull. Often referred to in sensational terms as "phone horns" or "devil horns," the EOP is an anchor-like structure that connects the nuchal ligament, which supports neck muscles, to the skull.
To explore this phenomenon, the researchers examined x-rays of individuals aged 18 to 86, many of whom were being treated for neck pain. They observed that the EOP was more pronounced in younger individuals. They theorize that this is due to the posture people adopt while using phones and tablets—craning their necks forward for prolonged periods. This forward posture exerts extra pressure on the neck, prompting the EOP to grow slightly longer, an effect sometimes referred to as "text neck."
Their findings revealed that this bony growth was more prevalent in men. In a 2016 study involving 218 participants, 67% of men had noticeable EOPs compared to 20% of women. By 2018, after analyzing 1,200 participants, they concluded that men were five times more likely to develop these "text necks."
But what are the broader implications of these findings? While concerns about radiation from phones potentially causing cancer are well-documented, this research introduces a new dimension—suggesting that device use could physically alter our bodies. Shahar and Sayers describe these elongated EOPs as part of a degenerative process, implying that the effects could worsen over time, particularly among younger generations. They also link excessive device use to other conditions like "text thumb" or thumb arthritis, which resemble carpal tunnel syndrome.
However, the study has faced criticism. Some experts argue that the findings are not definitive, noting that elongated skull bones have been observed in archaeological records and are particularly common in males. Critics suggest that the researchers may have taken well-established facts and reframed them to fit their hypothesis. For now, the debate continues.
Regardless of the study's conclusions, it’s clear that technology profoundly impacts our lives. Whether or not we’ll develop “horns” or other physical changes, the potential effects of constant device use on future generations are a serious topic for consideration. Perhaps it’s time to swap a few hours of screen time for a walk in the park—after all, our bodies might thank us in the long run.
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