Dr Aric Sigman says that by communicating with friends and family online, rather than face to face, we could be changing the way our genes work, leading to upset immune responses, hormone levels and arteries, as well as impaired mental performance This could, in turn, increase the risk of cancer, heart disease, strokes and dementia, Dr Sigman claims.
In his paper published in the journal Biologist, Dr Sigman explains that interacting with others in the flesh causes biological reactions in the body, such as the production of the hormone oxytoxin, which promotes bonding.
He says that 209 “socially regulated” genes have been identified, including those involved in the immune system and responses to stress, and that there does “seem to be a [biological] difference between ‘real presence’ and the virtual variety”.
Since the use of electronic media has risen, there has been a documented reduction in the number of hours people spend taking to each other.
“I am worried about where all this is leading,” Dr Sigman told the Press Association.
“Social networking sites should allow is to embellish our social lives, but what we find is very different… These are not tools that enhance, these are tools that displace.”
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ref: http://motherandbaby.com.au/ContentItem.aspx?ContentID=1253
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