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Signs and Symptoms of Computer Overuse

Computers have become commonplace in modern society, infiltrating both the workplace and the home. Depending on your job, you may spend hours each day interacting with a computer, and more and more Americans get a substantial amount of their entertainment online. All this computer use, however, can lead to some unpleasant side effects, and knowing the signs and symptoms of computer overuse can help head off major problems further down the road.

  1. Eyestrain and Headache

    • One common symptom of computer overuse is eye fatigue. LCD screens include a bright backlight, and staring at computer monitors over long periods can strain your eyes, leading to blurry vision, dryness and headaches. Lowering the brightness level can help increase your comfort, as can using larger fonts to ease reading. You should also take breaks every hour, and periodically look away from the screen to focus on other objects to give your eyes a break.

    Ergonomic Troubles

    • Another common set of symptoms of computer overuse comes from improper ergonomics. If your keyboard, monitor, mouse and chair are out of alignment, it can lead to awkward positioning, putting stress on your joints. Bad ergonomics can lead to pain and numbness in your hands, wrists, elbows and shoulders, as well as other parts of your body. Using an ergonomic keyboard or wrist rest, keeping your mouse close on the desk and ensuring your chair is at a comfortable height can help alleviate these problems and prevent long-term injuries from occurring. You should also make an effort to stand up, walk around, stretch and flex your joints frequently during breaks.

    Long-Term Effects

    • The long-term effects of improper ergonomics can be devastating. Repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome occur when users maintain poor alignment over long periods, damaging nerves and causing pain, weakness and numbness in the hands. Poor chair position can lead to poor circulation, which can encourage the development of possibly life-threatening blood clots over time. The sedentary nature of a computer-based lifestyle can also encourage weight gain, with its own host of associated problems. Maintaining a regular exercise program can help offset this and increase your overall health.

    Psychological Issues

    • Computer overuse can have psychological effects as well. Users who become addicted to computers, often through games or social sites, find themselves putting off work, chores or social engagements to spend time online. If you find yourself obsessively checking the same sites repeatedly, or have difficulty disengaging yourself from your PC, it may be a sign you are spending too much time on the computer. Forgoing real-world responsibilities for online entertainment is a clear warning sign of computer addiction, and severe cases may even require counseling.

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