One of the biggest drawbacks of ICT is that it encourages prolonged sitting, whether it’s working on a computer, watching TV, or using a mobile device.
A lack of physical activity over time can lead to health problems like obesity, heart disease, and poor muscle tone.
Sitting for extended periods can also cause poor posture, which can result in back and neck pain.
ICT can contribute to lifestyles, which are linked to various health issues.
Eye Strain
Prolonged screen use can cause eye problems, commonly referred to as "Computer Vision Syndrome." Symptoms include eye discomfort, blurred vision, headaches, and dry eyes.
Staring at screens for long periods without breaks can also increase the risk of long-term damage to eyesight, especially if proper lighting and screen distance are not maintained.
Sleep Disruption
The blue light emitted by smartphones, tablets, and computers can interfere with the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle by reducing the production of melatonin, the hormone that helps regulate sleep.
This can make it harder to fall asleep or lead to poor sleep quality, contributing to fatigue and other health problems over time.
Prolonged screen time is associated with a higher risk of disturbances.
Mental Health Issues
Excessive use of social media platforms can negatively impact mental health. Constant exposure to idealized images of others' lives can lead to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and depression.
Cyberbullying is another serious issue, where individuals face harassment online, which can lead to emotional distress, isolation, and in some cases, severe mental health challenges.
What type of addiction can result from excessive gaming or social media use?
Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI)
Overuse of technology can lead to repetitive strain injuries (RSI), especially from activities like typing, using a mouse, or texting.
These injuries often affect the hands, wrists, and arms, causing pain and discomfort.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common example, where prolonged typing can result in inflammation of the nerves in the wrist, causing numbness or pain.
What can happen to teenagers who rely too heavily on ICT for learning and studying?
