Emergence of new Technology Related Diseases
Description:
Techno-addiction might they be the new kind of disease. People are entering into their own world of bits and bytes, spending days only in front of their computer and spending less and less time with friends and families. Teenagers becoming addicted to the use of mobile phones and the communication power they gain, while business people are striving like Maniacs for the ideal of perfect information with Laptops, Wireless Cards, PDAs and multifunctional devices. Besides Psychological problems, more people than ever before suffer from Migraine or eye problems. Orthopaedics have more patients than before and the diet industry booms. These developments may influence the future of communication technology. Terms of use may emerge and regulations will inhibit companies to adopt new technologies easily. Anxious of health implications new technologies will have to reflect upon social responsibility.
Enablers:
The flexibility of communication devices and online connections simplify the usage of new technologies.
Inhibitors:
Regulations concerning the design of work environments.
Paradigms:
Past: Technology will help you to do work more efficient, to balance work and spare time more flexible and healthy. Change: Technology will mix work and leisure even more, imposing stress, social isolation and pressure on individuals and groups.
Experts:
"We react with an almost addictive impulse to new opportunities to connect with one another, and this creates behavioral issues."
in "Connected to a fault - BEWARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF GROWING CONNECTIVITY"
by Peter Coffee, eWeek, June 14, 2004.
Timing:
Web Resources:
Brain Cancer from Mobile Phones?
Discussion of Internet's impact on health