Technology has greatly impacted people’s physical health. The use of technology may be related to the lack of physical activity, which has been linked to behavioural issues and poor well-being among preteens and teenagers. Avoiding exercise and engaging in less physical activity while using a wide range of technologies is quite easier, to be honest.
In this article, you will learn how technology has affected people’s activity levels negatively and positively.
How Technology Has Affected People’s Activity Levels.
Technology is more prevalent than ever, with tens of billions of internet-connected devices spread over the globe. Technology has many benefits, not the least of which is that it keeps us in touch with one another, which has been a lifeline throughout the pandemic. Yet, besides these advantages, there are also potential negative health effects that you should consider.
This overview covers the positive and negative effects of technology on health.
Negative Effects Of Technology On Physical Activity
Technology and Sedentary Lifestyle
Adults should try to complete 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of strenuous exercise each week, according to the Mayo Clinic. But the use of social media and a growing sedentary lifestyle limit the amount of daily activity people get, according to a study in the Journal of Medical Internet Research.
Additionally, research in Healthcare (Basel) shows a link between children’s technology use and less physical activity, obesity, and other health problems.
The Covid-19 pandemic, which led people to stay indoors, use more technology, and cause sports events to be postponed globally, didn’t help. However, it is estimated that physical inactivity was already costing 5.3 million lives a year globally, even before Covid.
Sitting in one place while using a device limits the amount of physical activity needed to maintain good health. Also, it increases snacking, both of which lead to obesity.
Prolonged sitting causes back and neck issues, which get worse by bending into a handheld device, leading to a new condition called Text Neck.
Other physical issues are caused by the excessive wrist and finger use when typing on various devices. These include carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis in the thumb from repeatedly using the thumb to press buttons on devices or playing too many video games.
Digital vision syndrome is a new set of diseases that are becoming common. It is caused by prolonged stares at a screen and may result in chronic headaches and poor eyesight.
Following are a few examples of how technology affects people’s physical activities:
- The advancement of technology at home has decreased the time for housework and physical activity. The invention of the washing machine has reduced the physical work required to wash clothes. The invention of the vacuum cleaner, microwave, and oven made daily tasks considerably simpler.
- Although the car made it easier for people to move around and travel, it also decreased physical activity like jogging and walking.
To stay active, you can use everyday activities as a chance to exercise, such as walking or taking the stairs rather than the elevator. Additionally, you can engage in the playground and perform more household chores.
Screen Time Recommendations By Age
Following are some recommendations for screen time from the American Academy of Pediatrics (APA)
| Younger than 18 months | Limit your screen time to just video chatting. |
| 18 to 24 months | Parents and caregivers can offer high-quality programs and watch them with their children. |
| 2 to 5 years | Limit to one hour per day of supervised high-quality programming. |
| 6 years and above | Set clear time and media type restrictions. Media shouldn’t get in the way of getting enough sleep, exercising, or engaging in other healthy behaviours. |
Positive Effects Of Technology On Health
There are many ways in which technology can benefit your health, so it’s not all bad. Digital tools or apps, for example, can be used to track your exercise activities. They also help you eat better, remind you to get up and move, or remind you to take your medicines.
Tips for using technology in a healthy way
These are some suggestions for ensuring healthy screen time.
- Remove unused apps from your phone to avoid checking them for updates all the time.
- Set and stick to screen time limits.
- Log off and take regular breaks.
- Avoid using gadgets during meals.
- Refrain from using devices in your bedroom. At night, turn clocks and other glowing objects toward the wall. Before bed, put away your digital gadgets for at least one hour.
- Use the internet to stay in touch, but prefer real-world connections over virtual ones.
Many of the same guidelines apply if you are a parent or caregiver:
- Encourage face-to-face communication above online communication.
- Encourage children to play without using technology.
- Make sure you know the programmes, games, and apps your children are using.
- Together with your kids, explore technology.
Apps that help you get physically active
Many fitness applications are available to support your dedication to an exercise routine. These apps also keep you motivated and keep track of your progress. Even just one of them can help you get enough exercise and activity to balance out your screen time. Below are some of the top fitness apps to help you stay active:
- For outdoor runners: Nike+ Run Club
- For general fitness tracking: Apple’s Fitness App
- For yoga: Asana Rebel
- For new runners: Couch to 5K
Wrap Up
In conclusion, technology plays a significant role in modern life and has positive and negative health effects. It is wise to restrict screen time to reduce the negative impact of technology on health. Also, ensure proper posture, take frequent breaks, and engage in physical activity.
We hope this article helped you with how technology has affected people’s activity levels.
FAQ’s
How does technology negatively affect physical activity?
By giving more screen time, you are less likely to go for a walk or jogging. It overall leads to a sedentary lifestyle with very little physical activity.
How does technology and social media affect physical activity?
The majority of daily digital technologies are idle. Extended usage of these technology encourages a sedentary lifestyle,
How has technology improved physical activity?
The use of technology in promoting fitness programmes is crucial. It can be used in mobile applications and wearable technology for monitoring remote and real-time physical activity.
