Desktop

A desktop typically refers to the primary graphical user interface (GUI) of a computer operating system, where users interact with icons, windows, folders, and applications. With its benifits it also comes with side effects which impact our daily life as well as our environment. Glare from overhead lighting or sunlight reflecting of the screen can strain the eyes. Desktop computer screen emit blue light which can cause digital eye strain and disrupt sleep pattern by suppressing the production of hormone responsible for regular sleep cycle. Even Older desktop monitor with low refresh rate or those using pulse-width modulation for brightness control can produce flickering that may not be noticeable to the naked eye but can contribute to eye fatigue and discomfort over time. Low resolution screens setting can result in pixelation causing the eyes to work harder to focus which leads to fatigue and strain. Even sitting to close or two far from the desktop monitor can strain the eyes. The ideal viewing distance is typically around arm length from the screen with the top of the monitor at or slightly below eye level. Factor such as poor lighting , glare and screen reflection in work space can cause eyestrain when using a desktop computer making it important to optimise the work environment for comfortable viewing.

Poor exposure of the desktop monitor can lead to physical discomfort including neck strain from constantly looking up and down and shoulder and backside from hunching over and twisting to see the screen. Even incorrect monitor positioning can cause eye strain due to glare, reflection and improper viewing distance resulting in symptom such is dry eyes,blur vision and headache. Poor exposure of the desktop monitor in a dimly lit or overly bright environment can strain the eyes and cause discomfort. Inacurate exposure of the desktop monitor to ambient light sources can affect colour precipitation and accuracy leading to discrepancies in colour reproduction and potentially impacting the task that require precise colour representation such as graphic designing or photo editing . Insufficient exposure of the desktop monitor to natural light may necessitate higher brightness setting or use of additional artificial lightening resulting in increase energy consumption and higher utility bill. Poor exposure of the desktop monitor can hinder productivity by making it challenging to read text, view images or work comfortably for extended period leading in frustration and reduce efficiency.

RSI or repetitive stain injury is a condition characterised by pain and discomfort in the muscle, tendons and nerve caused by repetitive moment or over use of certain body parts. In context of desktop computer used it often affect the hand, wrist, arm, neck and shoulder. Symptoms of RSI include pain is stiffness numbness tingling weakness and loss of coordination in the effective area. These symptoms may worsen during or after computer use and impact daily activity and productivity. Prolonged repetitive typing and mouse activities such as clicking ,scrolling and dragging can strain the muscle and tendons in the hand and wrist leading to condition such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Inadequate ergonomic setup including improper keyboard and mouse position and incorrect desk height can contribute to RSI by placing undue stress on the muscle and joint and promoting awkward position. Treatment for RSI may include rest, activity modification ergonomic interventions , physical therapy, pain management technique and in severe cases surgery.

Desktop computer used can often involve long period of sitting which can lead to a sedentary lifestyle. Sedentary behaviour is characterized by low level of physical activity and energy expenditure. Prolonged sitting and a sedentary lifestyle are associated with an increase risk of various health problem including obesity, type 2 diabetes ,cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and certain type of cancer. Sitting for extended period can also lead to muscle weakness particularly in the muscle of the lower back ,hip and leg as their not being actively engaged. Sitting at a desktop computer for long period can contribute to poor posture including rounded shoulder, forward head position . This lead to muscular skeleton issues such as neck and back pain as well as spinal misalignment. Setting for prolong period can also lead to a decrease in metabolic rate, the rate at which the body burns calories at rest. this can contribute to weight gain and metabolic disorder overtime. Sedentary lifestyle is associated with prolonged desktop computer use which can negatively impact mental health leading to feeling of lethargy, stress ,anxiety and depression.

Excessive use of desktop computer for social media browsing can contribute to addiction like behaviour where individual feel compelled to constantly check their feeds leading to the feeling of anxiety, depression and low self esteem. Desktop computer use particularly in the context of social media and online forums can expose individual to cyber bullying and harassment leading to psychological distress, anxiety and depression. Spending excessive time on desktop computer can lead to social isolation and feeling of loneliness particularly if individual substitute online interaction for face to face interaction with family and friends. The use of desktop computer particularly in the evening or before bedtime can disrupt sleep pattern by exposes individual to blue light from screen which suppresses the production of the hormone that regulates sleep cycle. Exposure to unrealistic beauty standard and digital image on desktop computer such as those found in fashion magazine and social media can contribute to negative body image and eating disorder. Excessive gaming on desktop computer can lead to addiction like behaviour where individual prioritize gaming over other responsibilities and activity leading to social, academy and occupational impairment. Anxiety and stress related to cyber security issues such as hacking , identity theft and privacy breaches can arise from desktop computer use particularly when individual engage in online banking, shopping or social networking.

Desktop computer emit low level of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) from various components such as monitor, CPU. Although the level are generally considered safe but prolonged exposure to EMR may raise concern about potential health factor . Desktop computer screen emit blue light which can disturb sleep pattern, surpresses production of hormones and contribute to digital eye strain. Prolonged exposure to blue light may also increase the risk of age related muscular degeneration. Desktop computer generally heat during operation particularly from components such as cpu’s, graphic card and power supply unit . poor ventilation or cooling can lead to overheating which may affect system performance. the production and disposal of desktop computer contribute to electric waste accumulation, posing environmental challenges such as resource depletion ,pollution and landfill space consumption. Desktop computer contain various hazardous substance including heavy metal such as lead , Mercury and cadmium as well as flame retardants and other chemical. improper disposal or recycling of desktop computer can result in the release of these harmful substance into environment posing risk of human health and ecosystem.