Many people worry about the mental effects of spending hours on phones and other digital devices, but experts say the physical impact may be just as important. From neck pain and weaker hands to vision problems and skin irritation, growing evidence suggests heavy technology use can gradually affect the body in ways many people do not notice.
One visible sign for some users is a small callus on the finger used to support a phone. However, researchers say the effects may extend much further, potentially altering posture, weakening muscles, reducing motor skills and even contributing to long-term health problems.
'Tech neck' and spinal strain
Looking down at a phone for long periods can lead to a condition commonly known as "tech neck." Experts say this forward head posture places significant pressure on the neck, which over time may damage spinal discs, strain muscles, wear down joints and even reduce lung capacity.
The condition may also gradually change a person's posture and appearance.
Doctors say corrective exercises may help in some cases, but simple habits can also reduce the risk. Holding phones at eye level, positioning computer screens properly and taking regular breaks from screens are among the most effective steps. Some specialists recommend taking a short break every 30 minutes.
Can screens cause wrinkles?
Some people have raised concerns that constantly bending the neck while using phones could contribute to wrinkles.
Dermatologist Justine Hextall says the theory is reasonable because repeated skin folding can contribute to wrinkle formation. However, she notes there is currently no strong scientific evidence proving that phone use directly causes neck wrinkles.
She also advises consumers to be cautious about buying skincare products marketed specifically for "tech neck."
Smartwatches may irritate the skin
While the evidence on wrinkles remains limited, dermatologists say wearing a smartwatch continuously may create other skin problems.
The warm, damp area beneath a watch can encourage yeast growth, leading to irritation or eczema. Continuous contact may also increase sensitivity to materials such as nickel, rubber, latex and acrylates found in some wearable devices.
Experts recommend removing smartwatches regularly, washing the skin underneath and using a protective barrier cream if wearing the device for long periods.
More time indoors may affect eyesight
The global rise in myopia, or nearsightedness, has often been linked to increased screen use.
However, Donald Mutti, an optometry professor at Ohio State University, says decades of research found little evidence that close-up activities alone, such as reading or using smartphones, directly cause myopia.
Instead, his research suggests that spending time outdoors helps protect developing eyes. Bright outdoor light appears to trigger dopamine release in the retina, which may support healthy eye development.
As people increasingly spend more time indoors using digital devices, experts believe technology may indirectly contribute to worsening eyesight.
Regular outdoor activities, along with wearing sunscreen and sunglasses when needed, can help reduce the risk.
Declining grip strength
Researchers are also paying closer attention to grip strength, which is increasingly viewed as an important indicator of overall health.
Some studies suggest weaker grip strength is associated with poorer health outcomes and may even predict the risk of early death better than blood pressure.
Johannes Beller, a professor of medical sociology in Germany, says the shift toward desk-based and computer-focused lifestyles may be contributing to declining physical fitness, particularly among younger generations.
Experts recommend improving overall fitness through regular exercise and strength training rather than focusing only on hand exercises.
Screen time and motor skills
Technology may also influence motor skills, particularly those involving precise hand movements.
Sebastian Suggate, a developmental psychology professor at the University of Regensburg, says digital devices may improve skills such as tapping and swiping but appear to have a negative effect on broader fine motor skills, especially in children.
Research has linked increased screen time with poorer motor development, which is also associated with cognitive and academic performance in young people.
Rather than eliminating screens, Suggate recommends balancing digital activities with hands-on tasks such as cooking, woodworking, drawing, playing musical instruments or writing by hand.
He describes the effects as relatively small for individuals but warns they could become more significant across generations if physical activities continue to be replaced by screen-based lifestyles.
Health experts agree that regular movement, time outdoors, exercise and reducing uninterrupted screen use can help minimise many of the physical effects associated with today's technology-driven lifestyles.