Are You Healthy With Social Networking?

Pulse

oi-suparna-chakraborty Chakaraborthy

By Suparna Chakaraborthy

Monday, May 9, 2011, 14:47

Computers usage became eminent years ago but the growing spread of social networking websites has increased the addiction of users to stick their eyes on the monitor. So what is this about Facebook and various other websites that makes users browse their profile throughout the day? How does this small electronic box affect your health?

Users scroll their profile more than 20 times each day just to check if their friends are online or to check the message inbox which might show some red light indicating the arrival of a new message. Generally these sites are used during the free time especially by working people but youth are logged in throughout the day either to search a new friend, upload new pictures or videos, chat, flirt or fix a date. But while doing this they don"t pay attention to growing health problems both mentally and physically.

If you sometimes experience headaches, loss of focus, burning or tired eyes, double or blurred vision, neck and shoulder pains then it is clear that you are suffering due to excessive computer usage and is an effect of social networking on your health.

If your friend or someone special does not reply to your messages or does not ping you even after being online in the chat list, kills you. This automatically leads to stress and depression sometimes because the expectations from the person rise and if not fulfilled leads to irritation. Thus, the second effect of social networking on health. Riu says, “I like someone but he does not ping me even after being online. I feel really hurt and my whole day wait to see him online goes to vein. I become very depressed and this addiction is not helping me come out of it."

After getting up all you do is go online first? If so then you are missing your morning exercise or walk, the third effect of social networking on health. The social networking sites have increased the addiction and this is affecting your mental state as well as physical health.
Loss of concentration in work, college or school is common among users these days. Students use mobile facebook but cannot quit using it. Sitting in the class and attending a lecture, idle in chat list but logged in to your account.

Eyes are the worst affecting areas due to computers and if they are used for work then the user has no other go. But, nowadays social site users feel Facebooking is working. Eye strain and tiredness, temporary weak vision, dry irritated eyes, light sensitivity and other vision and muscular problems are some of the other effects of social networking on health.

So, how to have the best of both? Save your health from social networking?

1. You should try to use computers to a limited extent.
2. Use computers when required. Don"t stop using Facebook or any of your favorite website but don"t be too much into it.
3. Exercise daily and it will be relaxing to stretch your body after working in the computer.
4. Don"t be a slave of computer.
5. Wash your eyes every one hour. It will cool your dry eyes.
6. Don"t stick to your computer for more than 2 hours. Take a break.