The Smart Phone World

I came across this article in The Independent online newspaper and I'm reminded of the seemingly hopeless addiction that a number of my students have to their mobile phones and

particularly the so called smart phones. From one of the presentations that the students gave, I learnt that a smart phone is not just a phone it's a wireless key, at which point I thought perhaps it's generational. Apparently those under 25 article are considered to be digital natives whereby those over 25 are deemed to be digital immigrants. I shall shall stick to the blogging which is far more interesting.

Hopelessly addicted to technology

"BlackBerry thumb" is the name of the latest health hazard. It is defined as a form of repetitive strain injury caused by the overuse of mobile phones to send emails and texts.

It has apparently become so widespread that some lawyers are hoping to cash in by claiming compensation for the victims. One of those hopeful lawyers told The Daily Telegraph that people suffering from BlackBerry thumb injury might not be aware that it could be "work-related" and hence a possible source of extra income for them.

Repetitive strain injury is already blamed on excessive use of computers, which scientists have also linked to glaucoma, stress and assorted mental problems.

As for mobiles, miscellaneous reports over the years have warned of all kinds of possible harmful effects, including heart and kidney damage, headaches, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's – not to mention cancer. Government scientists have repeatedly advised that children should not be given mobile phones because of the risk of possible brain damage.

Nobody, not even the parents of those children, has taken a blind bit of notice. The truth is that people are by now so dependent on modern technology that they are prepared to ignore all the possible risks to their health or security – even when they might affect their children.

http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/richard-ingrams/richard-ingrams-get-off-your-bike-boris-and-try-the-misery-of-trains-2253399.html