Spot the problem: Technology the root cause of health ailments in Gen Z

37% of the generation spends more than five hours a day watching smart TVs.

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According to a research, 38% of Gen Z uses laptops for more than 6-8 hours a day.
BENGALURU: Seven in 10 Gen Z respondents spend more than six to eight hours on their smartphones, shows a new survey titled ‘Growing Pain Issues in Gen Z Workforce’.

According to the research paper released by furniture brand Godrej Interio, 38% of them use laptops for more than 6-8 hours a day, suggesting that much of the daytime of Gen-Z is spent on gadgets. The survey also revealed that 37% of the generation spends more than five hours a day watching Smart-TVs connected to the Internet for entertainment.

The study reveals that due to excessive use of gadgets, incorrect postures adopted while using these gadgets, and improper design of learning spaces used for studying or project work, many Gen-Zers are prone to suffering from multiple pain issues. The most prevalent physical disorders include postural defects and pain including neck pain, lower back pain, and headache.


“Technology is a defining trait of Gen-Z. They rely on it constantly to learn and grow creatively. While smartphones and the internet have revolutionised and enriched our lives, on the flipside our over-dependence on them has taken a toll on the health. The repercussions of the misuse of technology can be clearly seen in the lives of the students surveyed,” Anil Mathur, chief operating officer, Godrej Interio, told ET.

Long hours spent in the classroom without appropriate infrastructure adds to the physical and psychological problems of Gen-Z members. Prolonged gadget usage throughout the day can also propagate reduced self-esteem and self-confidence among students.

Considering the daily routine of the Gen Z and the time they spend on gadgets, the furniture provided to them plays a key role in their physical health. Improper furniture, lack of adjustability features in the given furniture, and inactivity among students are the main factors that contribute to pain and discomfort among them. This issue can be solved by replacing old furniture with ergonomic furniture and flexible classroom layouts.
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The survey was conducted among 10,000 Gen-Z college-going students covering 18 states in India.

Tech Neck, Text Claw & Smartphone Pinky: How Gadget Addiction Is Causing Deformities
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Technology has been a boon to us, but letting it hijack our lives can be quite challenging.



Excessive smartphone use, WiFi signal, and huge devices are causing more harm than good.



The advancement of technology and our addiction towards it, in turn, is leading to several changes in our bodies.

Technology has been a boon to us, but letting it hijack our lives can be quite challenging.Excessive smartphone use, WiFi signal, and huge devices are causing more harm than good.The advancement of t..
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Excessive smartphone and gadget use is ruining your spine. A new research has found out that constantly bending your neck to scroll on your smart devices can put a lot of pressure on the nape. One in four people between the age of 18 and 30 are seeing spiky growths (lumps) as long as 3 cm on the muscles where head meets the neck. This growth occurs to support the neck.

How to fix it: Don't let your smartphone addiction affect your posture. Simple, daily exercises can relieve you from headaches, and neck and back pain. Avoid looking down, and always keep the devices at eye level.
Excessive smartphone and gadget use is ruining your spine. A new research has found out that constantly bending your neck to scroll on your smart devices can put a lot of pressure on the nape. One i..
Read More
With each passing day, the size of our smartphones is increasing. While one may not notice it easily, the phablets are causing a temporary deformity to the little finger. The bulky smartphones are leaving the pinky of your dominant hand noticeably more bent than the other. It could also be an underlying synonym to a condition called Dupuytren’s contracture, but it is always wise to get it checked.

How to fix it: Avoid holding your phones for long hours.
With each passing day, the size of our smartphones is increasing. While one may not notice it easily, the phablets are causing a temporary deformity to the little finger. The bulky smartphones are l..
Read More
The 'cell phone elbow', also known as cubital tunnel syndrome, is a nerve compression syndrome that can cause tingling, numbness or pain in forearm and elbow. This could occur when you are talking over the be phone or using it non-stop.

A study by the University of Potsdam has also found out that a sedentary and lazy lifestyles is making our elbows shrink rapidly. Th prime reason for this is because we sit down too much and avoid every chance to walk.

How to fix it: Try using hands-free options or switch your hands frequently. Also, walk around.
The 'cell phone elbow', also known as cubital tunnel syndrome, is a nerve compression syndrome that can cause tingling, numbness or pain in forearm and elbow. This could occur when you are talking o..
Read More
In a 2011 study, the researchers discovered that men who use laptop WiFi for over four hours might be risking their chance of being a father. It is said that the electromagnetic radiation affects the sperm count, mobility and affects DNA. Moreover, keeping gadgets in trouser pockets also hurts the reproductive system.

How to fix it: Get a table, and avoid keeping your devices on your lap when using them. Also, don't keep your smartphones in your trouser pockets.
In a 2011 study, the researchers discovered that men who use laptop WiFi for over four hours might be risking their chance of being a father. It is said that the electromagnetic radiation affects th..
Read More
Constant texting and tapping on the smartphone can hurt your thumb. It can aggravate thumb problems like thumb arthritis, and trigger thumb which causes pain every time the thumb bends. If you have injured the thumb tendons, there is a possibility of developing tendonitis that results in painful swelling with overuse of a touch screen.

How to fix it: Avoid excessive thumb usage. Try texting with your fingers once in a while.
Constant texting and tapping on the smartphone can hurt your thumb. It can aggravate thumb problems like thumb arthritis, and trigger thumb which causes pain every time the thumb bends. If you have ..
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Do you experience cramps in your fingers even when not using a smartphone? This modern-day condition is called ‘text claw’ where the smartphone user experiences sudden pain and stiffness after using the smartphone. The pain can spread through the wrist and hand after engaging in fine motor activities like browsing, typing, sewing, beading, weaving, etc.

How to fix it: Easy exercises can help. Try stretching and massage your hands/wrists. Avoid excessive smartphone usage. Try hands-free options whenever possible.
Do you experience cramps in your fingers even when not using a smartphone? This modern-day condition is called ‘text claw’ where the smartphone user experiences sudden pain and stiffness after using..
Read More
Constantly being hooked to your devices can lead to serious eye problems. More exposure to the blue light emitted from your smartphone can make your eyes tired, and lead to pain. Furthermore, it could hurt your vision, harm cornea, cause poor quality tear, and dry eyes.

How to fix it: It is better to limit blue light, and use soft tint. Use doctor-recommended eye drops.
Constantly being hooked to your devices can lead to serious eye problems. More exposure to the blue light emitted from your smartphone can make your eyes tired, and lead to pain. Furthermore, it coul..
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Prolonged earphone use or playing music on high volume can damage the hearing ability. If not given enough time to recover, it can lead to serious problems and can leave hearing damaged permanently.

How to fix it: Avoid excessive use of earphones, or listening to music on high volume. Try hand-free options when using gadgets.
Prolonged earphone use or playing music on high volume can damage the hearing ability. If not given enough time to recover, it can lead to serious problems and can leave hearing damaged permanently...
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