Could Excessive Smartphone Use Cause A Change in the Shape of Human Hands?
A GROTESQUE prediction of how the human hand could evolve to more efficiently operate a smartphone has been devised with help from new research.
The freakish forecast includes a pointed finger to tap the screen with greater precision, gel-like pads for a more secure grip and an indented palm where the device could sit.
The evolutionary changes to the shape of the human hand would not only make it easier to use a smartphone, but also avoid a range of injuries and strains associated with using your mobile phone.
The gruesome concept image came after a study of 1,000 British adults revealed more than a quarter of respondents had injured themselves while using their phone.
The research, conducted by the mobile phone comparison team at www.broadbandchoices.co.uk, found black eyes from dropping the device while using it in bed was the most common complaint.
Other injuries included hand strain, neck strain and bruising.
The majority of respondents said they had been browsing Facebook or checking Snapchat when the injuries occurred.
But reassuringly, evolutionary biologist Prishita Maheshwari-Aplin said any physical changes would likely take “many, many generations”.
She said: “It is very likely that mobile phones will no longer exist by that point in the course of human evolution.
“Such drastic changes in the structure of the human hand, something that has stayed pretty much the same for millions of years since early hominids started to evolve specialised characteristics for tool-use and throwing/clubbing, are quite unlikely.
“This is especially the case since the changes, especially the lengthened thumb, could drastically affect other actions humans have to undertake that require an opposable thumb, many of which are far more crucial for survival, such as holding food/cutlery in order to eat or hold a steering wheel properly to avoid accidents.”
Hannah Cox, a physiotherapist from hcsportstherapy, said: “Most people do not realise the physical implications of smartphone use for their body.
“The consequences of constant scrolling or swiping incorporated with a hunched-over posture is affecting our bodies negatively and is very apparent in some of the injuries I see on a regular basis.
“It’s a shame that smartphone companies are not designing phones to be more ergonomic, as it should become a priority.”
HARVEY GAVIN
Express UK
