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Hazards in the Wireless Age

With all of the technologies available to the average consumer today, it seems as though the ability to do anything or know anything is right at our fingertips. We can accomplish a variety of tasks, from diagnosing our own ailments to slaying a dragon--in a video game, that is. But our rapidly advancing technologies come with a price, as there are many hazards associated with it.

  1. Carpal Tunnel

    • In 1981, only 18% of workplace injuries were the result of repetitive motion such as operating a computer. By 1990, those numbers had soared to 48%. The repercussions of injuries resulting from repetitive movement reach beyond the office, as a growing number of incidents of carpal tunnel are being reported by teenagers who spend a lot of time playing video games, web surfing and texting. As these technologies continue to dominate everyday life, the risk of carpal tunnel in adults and youths will only continue to grow.

    Hearing Loss

    • Years ago, it seemed like the trendiest technology-related item on which to blame hearing loss was rock concerts. Now, with the technologies available for your car stereo system, any car can become a mobile concert complete with window-rattling bass that can result in hearing loss. The use of ear buds is another culprit; they're more popular than ever, thanks to boom of portable media devices, and more and more video and computer games are adding voice chat, making headsets an integral part of game play and perpetuating the increased risk for hearing loss.

    Disconnection

    • The growing popularity of social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter have led many people to feel closer to their friends and acquaintances, but there are many who would argue this couldn't be farther from the truth. Sure, these technologies will allow you to "friend" or "follow" your kindergarten teacher or your boss' fifth cousin, but they're also quickly replacing real conversations and physical interactions. Rather than getting a group together to watch a movie or discussing reality television moments around the office water cooler, people are sending updates through social networking sites. While it's true new technologies offer more mediums with which to communicate, it doesn't necessarily make them more fulfilling or benefit our social skills.

    Death

    • Every new technology that comes along also opens the door to the potential of abuse or misuse. One such example is the recent issue of texting while driving. One study conducted by the University of North Texas Health Science Center attributed 16,000 deaths over a six-year period to this dangerous activity. Even hobbies revolving around technologies can be deadly, as a growing trend in suicides following marathon gaming sessions indicates. Documented cases of child neglect as a result of video game addiction also show that players aren't the only victims of technology.

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