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When your hands start to tingle...
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Lately I've been writing a lot about youth, new media, and social change. As a youth who uses technology in all of my work, I'm constantly on my laptop, or toying about with my mobile phone on the subway. I love it, live it, write it, research it-- yet yesterday when I was trying to type out my final Plan of Study for my Masters I froze up. This weird bizarre tingly feeling in my hands... no it's my wrist... fingers.... everywhere? It's been happening more and more lately. After over 20 years of exposure to computers, my hands are starting to give on me. Last year it was my finger joints, and now it's more of this radiated tingling that makes me paranoid as I try to bang off essays on how technology is creating a whirl of social change.

As I go into full thesis production mode this discovery is worrying. Google informs me that I'm not alone in my strange tingling. Others have experienced similar sensations. The conundrum is that I never felt like this before I had my iPhone. Somehow having a computer processor nested so close to my palm makes me feel a bit uncomfortable. As well, right after I announced my thesis project, Toronto Public Health decided to publish a study stating that teens should limit their talk time to 10 minutes a day.

So in diving into this world of mobile communications one comes across barriers. Now that the rose colours have started to fade, I find myself at a crossroads. First off, am I addicted to technology so much that I can't reduce my usage to improve my heath? And secondly, in covering the potential of mobile communications among youth activists am I in turn endorsing it as a solution for youth engagement? I think that as academics it is important that we explore all sides of the coin before jumping to conclusions but I think that it would be dishonest not to mention the health risks of such over exposure. The question is, is there any going back?

September 11, 2008 | 4:19 PM Comments  6 comments

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InciaZ Incia Zaffar
September 12, 2008 | 1:42 PM
Interesting
You bring up an important issue ! Are we compromising our well being with the use of technology? We have become so dependent on it !
hobo hobo
September 15, 2008 | 8:13 AM

You are jumping to a lot of unsupported conclusions. What is the medical cause of your ailment? Maybe you have a hormone imbalance caused by a problem with your adrenalin gland, thyroid gland, or many others. You could be experiencing an adverse reaction to medication you are taking. In short, this illness is quite probably caused by something other than your addiction to modern technology - or the iPhone. That's is a very large leap of logic.

You seem well traveled, so you must know that many other lifestyle options are available to you. Perhaps you need to take a lesson from the peasants of Costa Rica - relax for a few weeks or months.

Addictions come in many forms. While alcohol and drugs are two of the most well known, lots of people are addicted to physical fitness, gambling, food - just to name a few. All addictions are an illness and will take a toll on your body and your brain. If some activity has more control over your body than your free will - then you are addicted. Try to totally stop using technology for a week. If you cannot, then you have an addiction - don't blame it on the machines.

Time to start asking the hard questions, such as, "what is wrong with me?". Don't be quick to jump to unsupported, knee-jerk conclusions.
DakotaStorm DakotaStorm
September 15, 2008 | 10:21 AM
Another Point of View
DakotaStorm,
I have no choice but to rely every moment of my day using my Computer,Mobile phone,other Necessary High Technological devices in regards to my disabilities,with added software of assistive or adaptive Technology.The constant use of a keyboard,is not unlike what today is termed-Blackberry Thumb,in which Medical Experts have identified the cause is from the constant use of the Blackberry Mobile Phone,one can now purchase a "Blackberry Thumb Support",It is advised that anyone using a Computer for any length of time-wear a good quality wrist support,this goes 4 Laptop Users as well,Please be assurred that your symptoms R not in your head,please see your doctor for a complete Medical Physical,Please tell your Professor of your symptoms & feelings,As hard as it may B see if U can go without using your Laptop 4 a day? This is one of the best ways 2 know if U R addicted or not,if U cannot tear yourself away even 4 a moment,take some time off to allow yourself a complete break from using your Laptop or Mobile Phone,then U will know your addicted,If U are able 2 turn off your mobile phone & not use your Laptop 4 a whole day without the constant thought or anxiety that U R bad etc because your not using them then U may B addicted.oOr if your scedule doesnot allow 4 a day,try at least 2 hours.As much as I am forced by health circumstances 2 use todays technology,I will honestly say,some days I cannot tear myself away from using these,other days I am able 2 just turn everything off & forget about them,2 go out & enjoy a quiet time in the park,fishing in a river,enjoing sunshine or rain.Or even just window shopping 4 anything other than that 2 do with any form of Technology.I need 2 watch myself at times.As the old saying goes "All things in Moderation" is good 4 us-too much use,whilst ignoring other areas in ones life is not in balance & not healthy.I personally believe one can overexpose oneself 2 the Negative Electromagnetis & Radiations of today's Technological equipment.
If you wish 2 know more I have studdied Extensively in this field,though I would not presume 2 B an expert,But via my own experiences,& studdies,not only have experienced these same symptoms,but worked out ways 2 solve & reduce these effects on me physically.Please fel free 2 write me if U wish 2,as I have not the room 2 explain muxh 2 U via this blog. :)
DakotaStorm DakotaStorm
September 17, 2008 | 9:45 AM
A Valid Point
You make a very valid point,yes as much as today's society demands the use of modern technology,the use of Carpell Tunnel Syndrom, Blackberry Thumb,Arthritis has increased.
For myself I term it "My Necessary Evil" in the term that I must use it daily.
Not to mention the social impact within our society,no-longer are there many social meeting groups for people within our physical community,this technology has very much changed us as a race of human beings,on the one habd we have a greater access towards being globally connected,but wiyhin our own society,our own towns,Cities,I look about myself and wonder-Where have all the people gone? Where have our social skills gone? It's all online today, and if one cannot afford the luxury to be online,they are the new social outcasts!
We need to find a healthy balance between using this technology,and living a social life outside our Laptops,PCs,Mobile phones.
The easier life enjoyed today becomes hard on our overall health if it causes one to struggle to exercise,eat healthily,relax,take time out;Remember folks WE have the choice in life to be in control-to not be pushed by peer pressure,not an easy task, to take that break,to excercise,to eat properly,to physically socialize,outside of Cyberworld.
However,I do have an inkling of an idea of how hard this must be,unlike my generation,You have grown up from baby's with an ever increasing use & reliance on todays Technology,you must use it during school,in your working life,to stay in contact with your friends.
The question is not just the easier todays Technology is,which is effecting our health,our lives,but the ever degreasing gap of communication,travell etc within our global community.
When I was your age I was outside riding bikes,running,swimming,skateboarding,playing marbles,going to youth clubs,to hang-out,listen to music,dance,have good healthy fun.
Yes what's the point of living longer of your just going to end up unhealthy in the end.Does seem pointless doesn't it.?
As hard as it is it's still up to us individually to bring a healthy balance into the picture-try to take action to not end up unhealthy in the end.
I do kind of know how this feel,for me I often feel,what's the point being forced to rely on the use of adaptive technology,when just outside my door,my neighbour cannot say hell, wave or smile at me,but can via the internet!
Seems crazy eh?!!!
DakotaStorm DakotaStorm
September 17, 2008 | 9:51 AM
OOPs
Please Excuse my spelling mistakes,I am Legally Blind, & have Co-ordination problems having Multiple Sclerosis.
qnp Lisa Campbell Salazar
September 17, 2008 | 4:07 PM
Interesting discussion
Hey Everyone,

Thank you so much for your comments!

@hobo: You're so right about being addicted, yet I don't think that it rules out my concerns about technology and health. I'm 100% sure that my hand pains are related to the technology I use, as when I put my phone down my hand stops hurting. Cutting down my usage would be wise, but as a web designer this is a very hard task. I think this is the crux of the problem, that I have structured so much of my career and identity around technology, and now having reached a quarter of a century in age I find that it is starting to hurt my body.

@DakotaStorm: Thank you so much for sharing your experiences!

I have to get going but I will reply to more soon.

Thanks!
Lisa Campbell Salazar's Profile


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