Futurists' predictions always imagined wacky inventions like flying cars and mind control, but with the COVID-19 outbreak, we may now be on a trajectory towards a new authoritarian state, enforced through digital technology. Facebook’s Metaverse is already a testament to how most social aspects of life might not even require your physical presence anymore.More work is being taken over by artificial intelligence, which could mean that some professions might be replaced with machines. In a futuristic society dependent on machines, companies might outsource even more work to the lowest bidder. globally, striking even fiercer economic competition between nations. In an alternate reality, delegating the running of our daily tasks to machines might inspire humans to focus on scientific and social innovation, but that might not be the reality.The Pew Research Center asked 915 experts to share their views on how life will be in 2025. The overwhelming majority said tech will drive many changes, some of which will pose significant problems for humankind.Technologies, such as social media, are designed to bring people together, yet they may have the opposite effect in some cases.

A 2017study in young adults aged 19–32 years found that people with higher social media use were more than three times as likely to feel socially isolated than those who did not use social media as often.

Finding ways to reduce social media use, such as setting time limits for social apps, may help reduce feelings of isolation in some people.

Depression and anxiety

The authors of a 2016 systematic reviewTrusted Source discussed the link between social networks and mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.Their research found mixed results. People who had more positive interactions and social support on these platforms appeared to have lower levels of depression and anxiety.However, the reverse was also true. People who perceived that they had more negative social interactions online and who were more prone to social comparison experienced higher levels of depression and anxiety.

So, while there does appear to be a link between social media and mental health, a significant determining factor is the types of interactions people feel they are having on these platforms.The way many people use mobile devices and computers may also contribute to incorrect posture. Over time, this may lead to musculoskeletal issues.

Many technologies promote a “down and forward” user position, meaning the person is hunched forward and looking down at the screen. This can put an unnecessary amount of pressure on the neck and spine.

A 5-year study in the journal Applied Ergonomics found an association between texting on a mobile phone and neck or upper back pain in young adults.

The results indicated the effects were mostly short term, though some people continued to have long-term symptoms.

However, some studies challenge these results.

A 2018 studyTrusted Source in the European Spine Journal found that the posture of the neck while texting made no difference in symptoms such as neck pain.

This study concluded that texting and “text neck” did not influence neck pain in young adults. However, the study did not include a long-term follow-up.

It may be that other factors influence neck pain, as well, such as age and activity levels. Correcting posture problems while using technology may lead to an overall improvement in posture and strength in the core, neck, and back.

For example, if a person finds themselves sitting in the same position for hours at a time, such as sitting at a desk while working, regularly standing or stretching may help reduce strain on the body.

Additionally, taking short breaks, such as walking around the office every hour, may also help keep the muscles loose and avoid tension and incorrect posture.

Meet the Author

View Profile

---

Massive The blogger

Blogger

follow me