Vybarr Cregan-Reid, Reader in English & Environmental Humanities in the School of English at the University of Kent, discusses the impact of smartphones on our bodies. Topics include back pain, physical labor, screens and sedentary lifestyles, and screen habits' impact on handwriting and hand strength.
Factors like weakened muscles, sedentary behavior, and stress contribute to back pain, not just technology.
Incorporating light or moderate activity throughout the day is crucial for countering the negative effects of prolonged sitting.
Deep dives
The Impact of Modern Living on the Human Body
The podcast episode delves into the impact of modern living on the human body. The guest, Professor ViBar Craig and Reed, discusses how our bodies have been affected by changes in our environment and habits. He explains that back pain, for example, dates back much further than we think and is not solely caused by technology. Factors such as weakened muscles, increased sedentary behavior, and stress contribute to the prevalence of back pain. The episode also explores the impact of technology on our eyesight and hand strength, highlighting the need for good lighting and physical activity. Overall, it emphasizes the importance of introducing friction into our lives and the significance of maintaining a balanced and active lifestyle despite technological advances.
The Necessity of Movement and Physical Activity
The podcast emphasizes the importance of movement and physical activity for our overall well-being. It discusses how our sedentary lifestyles, fueled by desk jobs and screen time, have led to a decrease in physical activity. The guest mentions that even regular gym sessions are not enough to counteract the negative effects of prolonged sitting. Instead, he suggests incorporating light or moderate activity throughout the day, such as walking and avoiding prolonged periods of inactivity. The episode also highlights the benefits of low-intensity activity for longevity compared to short, intense workouts. It encourages listeners to find ways to incorporate more movement into their daily routines, beyond formal exercise sessions.
The Evolution of Hand Strength and Use
The podcast explores the evolution of hand strength and how our current lifestyles have affected hand functioning. The guest explains that our hands, which are designed for a range of activities, including manual labor, are now considerably weaker due to the decrease in physical work and the rise of technological advancements. This has led to increased susceptibility to conditions like repetitive strain injuries (RSI) in the hands and issues with handwriting. The episode suggests possible solutions for strengthening hand muscles, such as using squeeze balls or engaging in activities that involve precision and strength. It prompts listeners to reflect on their own hand use in the digital age.
Maintaining Balance and Connection in the Digital Age
The podcast episode reflects on our relationship with screens and offers insights into achieving a healthy balance in the digital age. It emphasizes the importance of disconnecting from screens and spending time outside, meeting people face-to-face, and engaging in natural environments. The guest suggests that phones and screens should serve as tools for connection rather than replacements for human interaction. The episode also touches on the impact of screens on reading habits and the need to make conscious choices to prioritize other activities, like reading books. It encourages listeners to be aware of their screen habits and to find ways to establish a healthy balance between technology and real-life experiences.
Professor Vybarr Cregan-Reid joins us to talk about what our smartphone and tech habits are doing to our bodies. Vybarr is Reader in English & Environmental Humanities in the School of English at the University of Kent and his book; 'Primate Change: How the World We Made is Remaking Us', looks at how our environment has changed our bodies, from our eyes and teeth down to our toes. Follow Vybarr on Twitter https://www.twitter.com/vybarr and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/vybarrcr. For more about Tanya Goodin visit https://www.tanyagoodin.com and https://www.twitter.com/tanyagoodin Find 'Off: Your Digital Detox for a Better Life' on Amazon: https://getBook.at/OFF And 'Stop Staring at Screens' is on Amazon too: https://getBook.at/STOPSTARING For more about Time To Log Off visit the website https://www.itstimetologoff.com Find us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/timetologoff Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timetologoff and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timetologoffnow
