Devin Fowler
Staff Reporter
“It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity” -Albert Einstein
Einstein was correct, some might even say that man and machine are one at this point. Think about it, when was the last time you did not have your phone on your person, and sleeping does not count. Technology has done wonders for mankind, it has allowed us to progress in the way we eat, the way we think and even the way we treat one another. However, no good deed goes unpunished because technology obviously has drawbacks such as cyberbullying, hacking, etc. For instance, a 2017 APJM study found that the rise in technology has led to increased isolation and antisocial behavior among 19-32 year olds. To add insult to injury, a year earlier the NIH traced social media networks to an increase in depression and anxiety, but the health effects are not just mental but physical. It is a well-known fact that technology use can lead to eye strain, poor posture, insomnia and reduced physical activity which can lead to a cascade of other medical issues, even as I write this all of that is happening currently to me. But before you get all Amish and crying Skynet, let us recognize that technology has health benefits as well.
The advancement in medical tech has led to new health innovations such as electronic health records, personalized treatment, telehealth and new surgical technology. Soon enough, nanobots could repair damaged tissue, bones and organs, CRISPR technology could eliminate genetic diseases and disorders, and on a more comical scale, genetic editing can further the advancement of the human race which would make the aforementioned innovations redundant. Ultimately, tech is a double-edged sword on our health, as long as we know how to properly use it then it can be good. So put down the phone and pick up a book, turn off the Xbox and walk outside, or at the very least use the treadmill whilst watching the television. Healthcare and technology when monitored properly can have astonishing results, there is no need to fear the robots. Or at least not until they become sentient, another thing I recommend is to say thank you to Alexa, Siri and Google, they just might spare your life rather than kill you.
Image Credit: Wix.com
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