7 Diseases That Arise As A Result Of Frequent Viewing Of Screen

Illustrations (Vlada Karpovich / Pexels)

JAKARTA - During the pandemic and when social restrictions were imposed, staring at gadgets has often become our habit today. Starting from taking care of work, looking for the latest news, to shopping for basic needs.

In addition, there is another temptation of Korean drama series that always feels bear to be stopped at exciting times. Predictably, this increase in exposure to social media or online entertainment will immediately significantly increase screen time, whether it's looking at the screen of a gadget, tablet, computer, or television.

Quoting Katadata.id, Thursday, September 2, since the pandemic period, social media users in the world, in general, have increased by 40 percent. Even in worst-affected countries such as Spain and Italy, the increase was more than 50 percent. As one example, group calls on Facebook are said to have increased by 1000 percent.

However, as screen time increases, health complaints also increase. Starting from back pain, weight gain, and even depression. Apart from that what else? Here are some things that can be experienced due to too much screen time which can interfere with productivity.

Computer Vision Syndrome

This term is often shortened to CVS, which is a feeling of soreness in the eyes due to too long staring at electronic-based screens such as computers, tablets, cellphones, or televisions. Symptoms of CVS can include blurred or double vision, tired eyes, slightly reddened, dry, and sometimes hot.

Dizziness and stiff neck

Headaches that sometimes radiate to the neck that feels stiff or sore, can be a continuation of the effects of CVS. These symptoms can even continue when you are no longer dealing with electronic screens.

Back pain

When we focus on monitoring work or coordinating with the team through zoom meetings, we often don't realize we are in an unergonomic sitting position. In certain positions, the back can be the heaviest to support the weight of the body. Pay attention to the sitting position, and try to move often to relax the muscles.

Hand pain and stiffness (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome)

The habit of holding gadgets for a long time can cause the nerves and muscles in the palms and fingers to tighten. The characteristics of the hands often feel numb or numb, tingling and painful. The parts that are often affected are the thumb, middle, and index fingers.

Increase in weight and risk of cardiovascular disease

Those who often linger staring at the gadget screen are usually lazy or rarely move. Especially if you are used to watching while snacking. Not surprisingly, weight gain quickly and if not quickly prevented it will trigger the emergence of symptoms of cardiovascular disease.

Depression

A study conducted on a number of teenagers in America stated that those who spent more than 7 hours staring at a gadget screen in a day were twice as likely to experience anxiety or depression.

Premature aging and skin problems

Experts recommend not holding gadgets for at least two hours before going to bed. Why? Electronic screens produce blue light, which is actually also produced by sunlight during the day. The danger is, if this blue light exposes the eyes and skin at night, it will affect mood, melatonin levels, and skin health. This light 'tells' the skin to wake up, while at night we need to rest to allow the detoxification process and cell regeneration to run perfectly.