The world has been evolving over the past couple of decades, especially in the field of electronics. The global population has been focused on using the latest electronic gadgets like mobile phones, iPad, tablets, laptops, TV possessing new and sophisticated features. Even though these gadgets possess numerous benefits, it is still a major cause of concern and raises a lot of red flags as it severely impacts the development of children and deteriorates the health of adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mentions that a normal child spends around eight hours in front of an electronic screen which can impede developmental milestones. This is because mobile phones, laptops, and Wi-Fi routers emit energy waves known as non-ionizing electromagnetic waves (EMW) which is a health hazard.
EMWs from electronic appliances can interfere with medically implanted devices like pacemakers in the heart. Pacemakers are considered one of the most highly intelligent medical devices to ever have been invented. It is used to regulate heart rhythm disorders known as arrhythmia. However, our everyday EMWs generated from electronic gadgets can interfere with the proper functioning of the pacemaker. This is because of the interaction between the magnetic field and the electrical impulses generated by the pacemaker which can lead to improper operation of the device. Therefore, the FDA advises that electronic gadgets should be kept at a distance of 6 inches away from these medical devices.
EMWs and heat generated from electronic gadgets can also cause neurological dysfunctions as they can affect nerve activity and cause cognitive decline and lead to conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. EMWs cause a wide variety of symptoms such as headache, memory loss, dizziness, disorientation, and insomnia (lack of sleep).
Electronic gadgets affect mental health by causing social anxiety, depression, delinquency, dependence, and addiction known as Internet Addiction Disorder, gaming disorders, and sleeping disorders. Severe use of electronic disorders can cause a sedentary lifestyle and obesity that ultimately causes low self-esteem, body image issues, and eating disorders. Dr. Tanya Machado, MD, MPH (c), PG Cert Global Mental Health, Thomas Jefferson University, USA says that like any man-made tool that stands to remain a double-edged sword, phones can be used to help spread awareness on de-stigmatizing mental illness and overcoming barriers related to mental healthcare treatment access. She also shares that, on the flip side, social media on cell phones can contribute to body image issues and isolation. The way phones are used matters more than the device itself.
Finally, EMWs from cell phones are possible carcinogenic agents and may also cause a very dangerous malignant brain tumor such as glioma. Some researchers found that glioma grows on the same side of the brain that the individuals speak on the phone. However, there are gaps in the literature and thus this theory cannot be affirmative. Another set of researchers has found that the more EMWs the individuals are exposed to the more prone they are to get acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a type of blood cancer. However, this research study is still inconclusive and therefore cannot be affirmative.
All the above information reiterates that there is a significant relationship between health disorders and the usage of electronic gadgets. Therefore, children have to be encouraged to spend more time engaging in physical activity and maintaining more social interactions rather than online relationships. Parents should limit the time children spend in front of electronic screens. Finally, health education programs regarding the adverse effects of electronic gadgets, the benefits of spending less time with them, and how to increase productivity in the world with fewer gadgets must be discussed at schools and workplaces.
References:
Biggers, A., Cirino, E., Lamoreux, K. (2021). Should you be worried about EMF exposure? Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/emf
Blank, R. (2022). Pacemakers & EMF: Can your gadgets and appliances interfere with your pacemaker? Shield Your Body. Available at: https://www.shieldyourbody.com/pacemakers-emf/
Harman, T. (2018). The effect of electronics on mental health. Keystone health. Available at: https://keystonehealth.org/blog/effect-electronics-mental-health/
Rashid, S.M.M., Mawah, J., Banik, E., Akter, Y., Ibne, J., Jahan, A., Khan, N.M., Rahman, M.M., Lipi, N., Akter, F., Paul, A., Mannan, A. (2021). Prevalence and impact of the use of electronic gadgets on the health of children in secondary schools in Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study. Health Science Reports, 4(4), e388. https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.388.
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