Health Issues

As with almost any human pastime, there are health issues associated with the use of technology.

This discussion is general only to raise awareness and makes no claim to be an authoritative or exhaustive assessment of medical risk.

If in doubt, ask your general practitioner or other medical authority. Here is an overview of some of the issues of concern:

Physical

Many health issues relate to physical position of the body and consequent pain.

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RSI - Repetitive Strain Injuries in hands and arms from using keyboards or a mouse are not uncommon
Sleep disturbance - blue light from LED screens can cause sleep disturbance if used within an hour of sleeping. Notification sounds can cause sleep disturbance if devices are left on or in sleep mode.
Eyestrain - sitting too close or holding screens too close can cause tired eyes.
Back pain - incorrect adjustment of screen height, sitting position and keyboard height can cause back pain
Sitting too long
Postural - using mobile phone while standing or sitting can cause neck problems if the device is held around waist or chest height and the neck is bent to view the screen

Use of Hearing Devices

Excessive sound level is easily able to be generated by ear buds or headphones. As a guideline, if a speaker has to raise their voice to be above the sound you are listening to it is probably excessive if you listen for long periods (6-8 hours per day).
Permanent hearing damage can result from high sound levels and may not be apparent until maturity. Unfortunately there are rare individuals that may have hearing damage in a relatively short period. There is no way back as hearing damage is permanent.

Some Bluetooth Mobile Headsets may cause ear pain due to supporting the weight of the headset in the ear canal.

Headaches may result from pressure of headphones with frequent use.

A mobile device should not be considered an appropriate replacement for a hearing aid. Hearing problems should be dealt with by an Audiologist and properly set up hearing aids.

Radio Frequency Impacts

It is not clearly proven but there are concerns that heavy users of mobile phones may risk brain damage, and/or leukemia.
Holding a mobile phone close to the ear while in use or using Bluetooth Mobile Headsets places a radio frequency signal close to the users' head.
There is conflicting research into the severity of risks but it should be remembered that medical diathermy machines use radio frequency for surgical purposes.

For infrequent short calls the risk may be low but if a call is extended it may be preferable to use the mobile phone on speaker and place it on a nearby surface. The radio signal is substantially reduced by removing the mobile phone to about 40cm away from the body. (compared to being close to the ear, this distance reduces the intensity of the radio signal by over 99%)

Traumatic Injuries while distracted by phone calls or music

Vehicle accidents - driving motor vehicles while using a mobile device is well documented as a hazard.
Trips and falls, impacts - listening to a mobile device while walking or running can distract from awareness of the environment. Uneven ground, low structures, loose surfaces, slippery surfaces and moving vehicles can be quite dangerous if not observed properly.

Mental Health Issues

Addictive behaviour - some research has suggested that social media and gaming may encourage addictive behaviour
In addition, narcissistic behaviour or anxiety may be exhibited using social media.

Some of the research suggests, like many human issues, that it is not the social media itself but that it can influence susceptible individuals.

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