Is the Technology Era Aging You? A Review of the Physiologic and Psychologic Toll of Technology Use.

Abstract

Technology use is at an all-time high and its potential impact on psychological and physiologic health should be explored. The objective of this narrative review was to identify the role of technology use on health and well-being. Authors performed a review of PubMed and publications of the World Health Organization, Department of Defense, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to determine the impact of technology regarding electromagnetic radiation (EM), posture and mobility, sleep disturbance, and psychological stress and well-being. Studies on the impact of EM were conflicting, with about 45% reporting negative consequences and 55% reporting no effect. Radiofrequency EM (RF-EM) may more significantly affect fibroblasts and immature cells. Device use was implicated in worsening cognitive focus, imbalance, and sleep. Social media use affects self-esteem and mental health and is associated with up to 33% presence of addiction. Effects seem to be dose related and more pronounced in younger ages. Technology use significantly affects sleep, mental health, and cognitive function. Seeking psychological help, limiting social media use, and reducing use before sleep may partially mitigate these effects. The impact of EM is undetermined, but the WHO lists RF-EM as a potential carcinogen.