Is Technology Killing Us?

To piggyback on our most recent post discussing the dangers of wi-fi thermostats, the overall risks associated with advancing technology cannot be ignored.  This post may seem a little off topic, but given that the HVAC field is being affected by new technology just about as much as everything else is, we believe the topic is appropriate.  Seemingly, with convenience and ease being the focal point of said technological advancements, it's easy to ignore the cons hiding behind all the pros.

Famed astrophysicist Stephen Hawking has gone on record as stating that technology is likely to eventually kill us.  "We face a number of threats to our survival from nuclear war, catastrophic global warming, and genetically engineered viruses.  The number is likely to increase in the future, with the development of new technologies, and new ways things can go wrong."

As silly as it sounds,  there is now a spinal condition being called "Text Neck".  Kenneth Hansraj, the chief of spine surgery at New York Spine Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, has found that the increased stress on your spine from constantly staring down at a phone or tablet could lead to “early wear, tear, degeneration and possibly surgeries”.

Advancements in technology have also led to increased inactivity.  Consultant orthopaedic surgeon Jonathan Dearing states that by far the biggest threat arising from technology is the reduction of physical activity – the fourth biggest cause of death worldwide.  Inactivity leads to obesity, and it means risk of cardiovascular disease is greatly increased.

The above stated are just a couple out of many examples on how advancements in technology are impacting the overall health of the human species.  While many positive things are happening with technology, they are coming at the sacrifice of other positive things that we probably take for granted.  So the question is; is all the convenience and ease worth it in the end?



Environmental Heating & Air of NC
919-535-8422