In an age where we can access information with the click of a mouse and receive messages from across the world the very second they are sent, the internet is frequently applauded for making our lives easier. Even the rise of social networking sites such as MySpace, Facebook, and the BBCs myCBBC have been met with general positivity " that is, until recently. Psychologists, health experts, and even biologists have lately been criticizing social networking cites for being hazardous to our health.
Experts are now warning us that new research suggests that we dont have nearly as much face-to-face contact with others as in the past, and it is making us more and more isolated. In a recent issue of Biologist, the journal of the Institute of Biology, Dr Aric Sigman explains that our body oxytocin levels have declined as a result of less physical interaction. Oxytocin, also known as the cuddle chemical, is a chemical that our body produces when we bond with another person. The fact that it is in decline shows that we are not bonding with others on a regular basis, which can have serious consequences.
Signman warns that extreme devotion to the virtual world can increase the risk of both physical and mental health problems such as cancer, dementia, depression, strokes, and heart disease " not exactly something we think about when we are checking our inboxes. Too much time on MySpace also allegedly has the potential to alter the ways in which our hormone levels and immune systems are regulated. It all comes down to our lifestyles " with a greater number of people working from home rather than going out and physically interacting with people, the lack of regular and deeper human contact have a negative effect on our body.
Psychologists also warn the implications this has for our families. Research reveals that children as young as five years old use the internet regularly. This, according to experts, undermines the childs ability to learn to interpret body language and acquire essential social skills. Not that the parents set the best example either. Dr. Signman was quoted as saying "Parents spend less time with their children than they did only a decade ago. Britain has the lowest proportion of children in all of Europe who eat with their parents at the table.
While most of these warnings (about physical health, in particular) have not been 100% confirmed by scientific research, there is an element of truth in each of the allegations. Common sense tells us that spending much time behind a computer screen cannot be good for your health, especially if you neglect proper social interaction.
Social networking sites therefore have pros and cons, like everything else in life. They can be seen as a negative influence makes us more anti-social and isolated. Or they can simply be seen as a great tool to reconnect with old friends and classmates. The bottom line: do everything in moderation. As long as we maintain a social life beyond the blogosphere, there is no reason for us to log-off. - 14130
Experts are now warning us that new research suggests that we dont have nearly as much face-to-face contact with others as in the past, and it is making us more and more isolated. In a recent issue of Biologist, the journal of the Institute of Biology, Dr Aric Sigman explains that our body oxytocin levels have declined as a result of less physical interaction. Oxytocin, also known as the cuddle chemical, is a chemical that our body produces when we bond with another person. The fact that it is in decline shows that we are not bonding with others on a regular basis, which can have serious consequences.
Signman warns that extreme devotion to the virtual world can increase the risk of both physical and mental health problems such as cancer, dementia, depression, strokes, and heart disease " not exactly something we think about when we are checking our inboxes. Too much time on MySpace also allegedly has the potential to alter the ways in which our hormone levels and immune systems are regulated. It all comes down to our lifestyles " with a greater number of people working from home rather than going out and physically interacting with people, the lack of regular and deeper human contact have a negative effect on our body.
Psychologists also warn the implications this has for our families. Research reveals that children as young as five years old use the internet regularly. This, according to experts, undermines the childs ability to learn to interpret body language and acquire essential social skills. Not that the parents set the best example either. Dr. Signman was quoted as saying "Parents spend less time with their children than they did only a decade ago. Britain has the lowest proportion of children in all of Europe who eat with their parents at the table.
While most of these warnings (about physical health, in particular) have not been 100% confirmed by scientific research, there is an element of truth in each of the allegations. Common sense tells us that spending much time behind a computer screen cannot be good for your health, especially if you neglect proper social interaction.
Social networking sites therefore have pros and cons, like everything else in life. They can be seen as a negative influence makes us more anti-social and isolated. Or they can simply be seen as a great tool to reconnect with old friends and classmates. The bottom line: do everything in moderation. As long as we maintain a social life beyond the blogosphere, there is no reason for us to log-off. - 14130
About the Author:
Andrew Mitchell, clinical director of the Osteopath Network, writes papers about musculo-skeletal conditions and Croydon osteopath. The Osteopath Network has more than 550 clinics located throughout the UK and offers treatment at weekends and after hours.
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