THE IMPACT OF CELLPHONES ON HUMAN BODY SHAPE: SEPARATING FACT FROM FICTION

THE IMPACT OF CELLPHONES ON HUMAN BODY SHAPE: SEPARATING FACT FROM FICTION

In a world where smartphones have become an indispensable part of our lives, there's a surprising new topic making waves in the media: the potential effects of cell phones on the shape of our bones. This intriguing subject has emerged from a scientific report suggesting that the constant use of phones and tablets may lead to significant and long-lasting changes in our bodies. However, before you picture yourself morphing into a cyborg, let's delve into the research and the debate surrounding it.

The study in question was conducted by David Shahar and Mark Sayers, experts in biomechanics at Australia's University of the Sunshine Coast. Biomechanics is the field that explores how mechanical laws apply to living organisms, encompassing everything from how humans run to how insects beat their wings. Shahar and Sayers' research also delves into autobiography, which involves interpreting an individual's life history from their bones.

It's a well-known fact that skeletons adapt to a person's lifestyle. The size and shape of bones tell a unique story. For example, in 1924, unusually large skeletons were discovered on the Pacific Island of Tinian. These findings were explained by the heavy stones they worked with, which naturally led to the development of more massive arms, legs, and collarbones.

Shahar and Sayers propose that modern technology is molding the skeletons of young people. The key player in this transformation is something called an EOP, or external occipital protuberance. Some have colorfully referred to it as a "foam ball" or a "devil-like horn." The EOP is a bony growth located at the back of the skull, connected to the nuchal ligament. This ligament connects neck muscles to the skull, and the EOP acts as an anchor.

The researchers conducted their study by examining chiropractors' X-rays of people aged between 18 to 86. This provided them with an up-to-date insight into how skeletons change, often investigating issues like neck pain. The main focus was to understand the potential consequences of these changes on our health.

Shahar and Sayers observed that in young people, the EOP seemed to be more widespread. The theory is that constantly craning forward to check phones and tablets puts extra pressure on the area where the neck muscles connect to the skull. As a result, the EOP gradually elongates, growing by several millimeters. This phenomenon has been referred to as "text neck."

In 2016, Shahar and Sayers reported that 67% of men had a larger EOP compared to only 20% of women. This gender difference was based on a test group of 218 people. By 2018, they had expanded their research to 1,200 individuals, with males appearing to be five times more likely to develop larger "text necks."

While these findings are intriguing, it's important to put them into perspective. The report's critics argue that it lacks conclusive evidence, and longer skull bones have been observed in males for years. Skeptics contend that the claim that we are turning into "Hellboy" by using cell phones isn't yet substantiated by scientific data.

Nevertheless, the impact of technology on our lives is undeniable. The idea that younger generations may be physically changing due to their constant interaction with devices is a pressing issue that merits further research and consideration. The verdict on the potential consequences of excessive cellphone use for human body shape remains to be determined. Ultimately, it will be the archaeologists of the future who determine whether we end up with "spikes sticking out of the back of our necks." In the meantime, perhaps a little more time spent in the park and a little less on Angry Birds wouldn't hurt.