When new technologies come out they tend to submit themselves to a time honoured system. They're created, we buy them, we use them extensively to our utmost joy, our bodies collapse and they're redesigned to reduce ergonomic risks. Those of you able to remember the distant beginnings of desktops will recall similar developments taking place with the keyboard and mouse.
Tablets are the current issue, and they're currently being held to task for vastly increasing reports of back and neck pain in the public. The market share of tablets is increasing exponentially, and a few schools are even replacing pens and books with iPads in government-led programmes. With the rapidly increasing use (especially in the younger generation) of tablets, it's important to recognise the health risks.
Basically, you have to crane your neck to use your tablet. This isn't too bad in and of itself, plenty of products require this. You crane a little for your mobile phone, people will sometimes crane their neck to read a book. Unfortunately this effect is exaggerated in tablets. Books and phones are light enough to hold at an angle, and laptops are free standing. Considering the weight and expense of tablets users tend to lay them flat on the table, rather than aiming the screen towards them. This is terrible ergonomic practice, and it's no wonder certain back issues follow suit.
On top of this, they're too functional. Obviously this is a great thing, they're amazing products capable of holding films, games, books and work. But when there's no reason to ever stop using a tablet, over-use naturally occurs.
There's a few ways to avoid the major damage tablets can wreak on you. A study from Harvard got experienced tablet users to carry out simulated tasks on the machine, and noted particularly exaggerated strain on the next and back, especially in the conventional lap-held position. Yet the study found by changing position around once every fifteen minutes users could vastly reduce the potential strain of using the devices.
One ideal way of cutting down on the health risks of the new technology is to grab a stand up case. If you can hold the tablet at it's ideal 30 degree angle your neck will have a much easier time. It's fine for watching films or playing games, and USB keyboards are always an easy option for getting work done.
Ultimately, there's no excuse for snapping your neck over a laid-flat tablet. The risks aren't rumoured anymore, but widely accepted. With over 50 million iPads in the market today and many more tablets from other manufacturers, it's important consumers take note of the ways to cut back on the strain.
Matthew has been writing about technology and the internet since his first computer, now discussing the way modern hardware is changing our lives, for better and worse. He's now working with Williams Commerce, a Leicester-based digital marketing agency, and intends to see his readership expand through the partnership.
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