New media technologies are constantly evolving in the aim of providing a better societal lifestyle. However, studies have indicated that excessive use of new media, best exemplified by computers and video games, contains a possible risk of gaining various negative impacts on health.
Contents |
RSI is caused by the degenerative action of reusing the same muscles in similar movements repetitively. One of the most common examples of the causes of RSI is through the excessive punching of the keys on computer keyboards, which causes damage to tendons, nerves and muscles in the fingers, thumbs, wrists, hands, upper arms, elbows, forearms, neck, shoulders, and upper back.
(Levine, 2005).
(Quilter, 1998).
Studies have shown that over 50 percent of heavy computer users experience eyestrain, blurred and/or double vision, amongst other visual symptoms. This, in turn, has the potential to lead to a possible risk of glaucoma. Glaucoma is a type of eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve and could lead to blindness if not treated (Grossman, 2005).
The risk of gaining glaucoma can be reduced through correcting the conditions of workplace, remaining in proper posture, attaching stress-relieving lenses or special anti-glare screens prescribed for computer operation, adjusting nutritional supplementation and conducting eye exercises (Grossman, 2005).
Epileptic Seizures are primarily caused by a specific form of epilepsy, photosensitive epilepsy, when the child is oversensitive to flickering lights. This can be triggered by the bright lights of computers and the flashing of computer games. Symptoms vary but can include headaches and changes in the field of vision, dizziness, confusion, reduced awareness, and seizures. Symptoms disappear as soon as child ceases using the computer (Valkenburg, 2004).
Children who spend an excessive amount of time in front of computers are likely to be displacing activities required for healthy development (such as organised sport) and increasing their risk of Obesity (Shields & Behrman, 2000). In the United States, 25% of children are overweight or obese (Subrahmanyam, Kraut, Greenfield & Gross, 2000). It is believed that increasing amounts of time in front of screens (television and computers) is a key factor in causing this.
Calvert, S., Jordan, A., & Cocking, R. (2002). Children in the Digital Age: Influences of Electronic Media on Development. Westport: Praeger Publishers, ISBN 0275976521
Grossman, M. (2005). "Computer Eye Strain: How to Relieve it," Vision Work retrieved August 7, 2005, from http://www.visionworksusa.com/computereyestrain.htm#work
Levine, J. (2005). "Computer-Related Health Problems," AskMen.com retrieved August 6, 2005, from http://www.askmen.com/sports/health/36_mens_health.html
Quitter, D. (1998). “TEN WAYS TO PREVENT REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURY,�? Deborah Quilter’s www.RSIHelp.com retrieved October 2, 2005, from http://www.rsihelp.com/tips.shtml
Shields, M., & Behrman, R. (2000). Children and Computer Technology: Analysis and Recommendations. The Future of Children Children and Computer Technology, 10 (2). Retrieved September 8, 2004, from http://www.futureofchildren.org/usr_doc/vol10no2Art1.pdf
Subrahmanyam, K., Kraut, R., Greenfield, P., & Gross, E. (2000). The Impact of Home Computer Use on Children’s Activities and Development. The Future of Children Children and Computer Technology, 10 (2). Retrieved September 8, 2004, from http://www.futureofchildren.org/usr_doc/vol10no2Art6.pdf
Valkenburg, P. (2004). Children’s Responses to the Screen: A Media Psychological Approach. New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, ISBN 0805847642
Kelly Mothershaw 16:16, 28 Oct 2004 (EST)
Ryuya Kina 16:29, 26 Oct 2005 (EST)
