Many people nowadays could hardly get by without their phone or computer in sight. Society has relied on technology so much that it is affecting how humans might evolve, like the terrifying model by TollFreeForwarding that may encourage the public to spend less time with their devices.
They have created a grotesque model of how humans might look in the year 3000 as a result of overusing technology. They named the model 'Mindy' who could be the "human of 3000 and beyond."
Early customers wait in line at the Fifth Avenue Apple Store during the launch of Apple’s new iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Mini on September 24, 2021 in New York City.
Meet Mindy: The Possible Future of the Human Race
TollFreeForwarding explained in their press release that Mindy was created based on how technology affects the body. "We sourced scientific research and expert opinion on the subject, before working with a 3D designer to create a future human whose body has physically changed due to consistent use of smartphones, laptops, and other tech," the company wrote.
The model shows that years of looking down while using smartphones or up at computer screens will result in a hunched posture, MailOnline reported. More so, the hands will be permanently molded into a claw shape after consistently gripping smartphones.
Dr. Nikola Djordjevic told TollFreeForwarding that the way humans hold their phones today can cause strain in certain points of contact that may result in the "text claw" otherwise known as cubital tunnel syndrome.
Aside from the text claw, Mindy's build also showed it has a "smartphone elbow," wherein the elbow is at a 90-degree angle reminiscent of the typical positioning of the arm when holding an electronic device. Djordjevic added that keeping the elbow bent for a long time while holding a phone can stretch the nerve behind the elbow and put pressure on it.
Furthermore, looking down for hours at smartphones will result not only in hunched backs but also in thicker necks as the muscles in the nape have to contract to hold the head up. Dr. K. Daniel Riew from the New York-Presbyterian Orch Spine Hospital explains that the more people look down the harder the muscles at the back of the neck work to keep the head up.
Other grotesque features that should be expected include a thicker skull but a smaller brain, and a second eyelid to protect the eyes from too much light exposure. Kasun Ratnayake from the University of Toledo said that the eyes might develop a larger inner eyelid to protect the eyes or the lens might evolve in a way that blocks incoming blue light but not other wavelengths.
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Emma: The Sickly Colleague of the Future
Before Mindy, a group of researchers has also introduced the sickly work colleague of the future named Emma. MailOnline previously reported that the Emma was built in 2019 to highlight the importance of good workplace conditions.
Researchers developed Emma after interviewing more than 3,000 employees about their health issues and concerns in their workplace. The model of Emma shows that years in an unhealthy workspace left their mark on the employee of the future.
Emma has a permanently hunched posture due to sitting for hours every day in front of the computer. Due to that also, she developed dry red eyes from prolonged exposure to the screen and sallow skin after spending years under the artificial light. Experts call for changes in working conditions to protect the health and productivity of employees.
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