American Public Health Association warning
The American Public Health Association has decided that
texting might be bad for your health. The way that people send texts, all that stooping and
frantic pressing of things with thumbs may have some physiological consequences.
Association researchers sent out a questionnaire to 138
college students asking how many texts they sent per day. The survey also
included a body map. They found a link between higher numbers of text messages
and feeling discomfort in the shoulders. After separating the study group by
gender, the association was seen more strongly in men than in women.
Although researchers stressed that more investigation
needs to be done, they added that it might be a good idea to keep an eye on
musculoskeletal symptoms among people who use hand-held computers. Lead author Judith Gold said the physical problems are
similar to what we see with office workers who've spent most of their time at a
computer.
Gold, who is an assistant professor of epidemiology at
the College of Health Professions and Social Work at Temple University in
Philadelphia said that the way the body is positioned for texting - stationary
shoulders and back with rapidly moving fingers - is similar to the position
for typing on a computer. As a result it creates repetitive stress injuries over
time. Students are the most effected and the Association is worried
about the long term health problems texting will cause.