Wifi Syndrome & Other Tech Induced Disorders

Technology has changed the world. Thanks to it, we can now be connected almost anywhere, at almost any given time. And while it has brought many people together, it has also strained relationships and friendships due to an ever-growing dependence on our gadgets and less interactions with those right in front of us. Like everything in life, it has its pros and cons. But you may not know about a particular developing con regarding the tech world. It’s called Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity Syndrome, (EHS), or more commonly known as Wifi Syndrome.

Wifi Syndrome is characterized by a variety of nonspecific symptoms, which afflicted individuals attribute to exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF), according to the World Health Organization. Though EHS is idiopathic, more and more Wifi Syndrome reported cases are surfacing, making people question the consequences of being on their phones and other technology gadgets for extended periods of time.

Every time you are on your phone, surfing the web on a computer at home, or watching Netflix on your tablet, you are exposed to electromagnetic fields. People have allegedly begun having “allergic reactions” to EMF, reporting symptoms such as nausea, tiredness, concentration difficulties, burning sensations and more. 

While there has yet to be a determined cause to this alleged condition, the World Health Organization does acknowledge it. Researchers around the world have begun looking into this theory of EMF causing detrimental symptoms for people, but have had little luck so far discovering strong enough correlations to declare it. And though multiple people have similar symptoms, their symptoms have one BIG thing in common ― they’re nearly undiagnosable due to the plethora of health factors possibly responsible for the symptoms. One could be experiencing tiredness due to lack of sleep rather than too much EMF exposure. Another person could experience nausea due to their diet.

This is not to say EHS isn’t real, but concrete evidence is hard to muster when scientists are unable to determine clear correlations. In addition to symptoms possibly being caused by health factors unrelated to EMF, there is also what is known as a “nocebo effect,” which is when people tend to feel sick because they believe they’ve been exposed to something that will sicken them. This is another potential conclusion to people’s Wifi Syndrome symptoms.

It’s good to utilize and enjoy the technological advancements we have today, but it’s healthy for us to stray away from overindulging in technology.

Regardless of whether you believe Wifi Syndrome is a real disorder or a myth, if you are experiencing any unusual symptoms, it’s always best to just go to a doctor and get checked out. Wifi and our everyday technological habits are still significantly modern, hindering our chances of knowing all of the potential health hazards EMF’s can cause.

What has been declared is Computer Vision Syndrome, which is eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged computer, tablet, e-reader and cell phone use causing eye strain, headaches, dry eyes, blurred vision and more according to the American Optometric Association. AOA claims that because the visual demands of the task exceed the visual abilities of the individual to comfortably perform them,  CVS occurs.

Aside from vision issues, there is also speculation that demanding use of cell phones and computers can be linked to an increase in stress, sleep disorders and depressive symptoms, though few studies’ outcomes have been conclusive.

Whatever the causes may be to these symptoms, you don’t need a researcher to tell you that you’ll enjoy life more if you just put your phone down, get off your computer, separate yourself from the tech world and enjoy real life rather than your virtual one. It’s good to utilize and enjoy the technological advancements we have today, but it’s healthy for us to stray away from overindulging in technology. If you haven’t experienced a technology-induced disorder yet, do yourself a favor and prevent yourself from being the next affected individual. See the world through your eyes, not all from a screen.