What Are The Health Implications For Over Using Social Networking ...

Experts are now presenting new research that reveals that the amount of time we interact with people face-to-face has drastically decreased, making us more and more isolated from the outside world. In a recent issue of Biologist, the journal of the Institute of Biology, Dr Aric Sigman warns that we are producing less of the oxytocin chemical (also known as the cuddle chemical) " which is a chemical our body produces when we form a connection with someone " as a result of our devotion to the internet. He argues that this decline occurs when people are not in close contact with one another, which can have major consequences.

Sigman warns that our deep dedication to the virtual world can increase the risk of both physical and mental health problems such as depression, dementia, cancer, strokes, and heart disease " not exactly something we consider when we are checking our emails. Spending too much time on MySpace has also been said to change the ways that our immune system and hormone levels are regulated. In essence, it all comes down to the way we live our lives " with more and more people choosing to work from home rather than interact with others at the office, the relationships we forge become more superficial and less meaningful, which has a negative impact on our body.

Psychologists also warn us about what this means for family systems. Research reveals that children as young as five years old are regular internet users, which, according to experts, undermines the childs ability to learn to interpret body language and acquire vital social skills. Often the parents themselves are not good role models 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 allegations (about physical health, in particular) have not been back up by detailed scientific research, there is an element of truth to each of the warnings. Common sense dictates that spending much time behind a computer screen is not good for your health, especially if you dont have exercise and physical social interaction.

Social networking can therefore be seen as either a blessing or a cure (or, in some cases, both). They can be a negative influence that stimulates isolationism and anti-social behaviour. Or they can simply be a place to get back in touch with old friends and classmates. The bottom line: everything in moderation. As long as social networking sites do not become a substitute for face-to-face relationships, there is no reason why we should fear of sitting behind our laptops.

About the Author:

By: Jonathan Blood-Smyth

Andrew Mitchell, clinical editor at the Osteopaths Network, writes papers about musculo-skeletal conditions, drug-free treatment, pain management and how to find a Cheltenham Osteopath. He is interested in the treatment of back pain, neck pain and injury and pain management.