Researchers looked into the long term physical effects of staying indoors, sitting down for hours at a time and staring at a screen – the resulting prediction of what a person may end up looking like is enough to put anyone off the pursuit
Researchers have predicted what avid gamers could look like after 20 years if they don’t change their habits and the result is pretty scary.
Millions of Brits enjoy a spot of gaming in their downtime – but a PR study looking into the effects of gaming on the human body may put you off it for a while. Researchers from OnlineCasino.ca predicted what avid gamers could look like in just 20 years if they don’t change their habits. The team has created a model called Michael, who doesn’t look too well.
To create Michael, the team looked at research reports looking into the physical effects of staying indoors, sat in a chair while staring at a screen.
In 2020 the researchers explained: “The visualisation shows that Michael has pale and pasty skin from years of being in artificial light and the result of lack of Vitamin D and B-12. He has stress-related eczema across his legs and arms and a permanently bent back from poor posture.”
Here’s a summary of Michael’s key features, including a rare nail disorder, bloodshot eyes and even arthritis.
1. Head
Michael has painful bloodshot eyes due to extended periods staring at a screen.
The model also has an indent in his skull due to the consistent, light pressure of wearing a gaming headset.
2. Hands
Unsurprisingly, years of gaming have had a detrimental effect on Michael’s hands.
The model suffers from Onycholysis – a nail disorder caused by repetitive trauma such as tapping fingernails on a keyboard or controller, which causes the fingernail to loosen from its nail bed.
Meanwhile, Michael has built up ulcers and calluses on his fingers due to the repetitive strain injury of using a controller.
3. Back and shoulders
Finally, Michael has developed a hunchback and rounded shoulders.
OnlineCasino.ca explained: “A condition that slowly develops over time, a hyperextended neck, rounded shoulders and hunchback will start as a dull pain occasionally and work its way from your neck to your hands and back as the strains slowly create a bend in the neck which creates the hunchback.
“This is caused by elongated periods sitting in uncomfortable positions without stretching or counteracting with regular exercise.”
The researchers are urging gamers to take proper breaks from their gaming sessions based on the findings.
How to avoid looking like Michael
- Exercise – Make sure you take time to get up, stretch and exercise
- Evenly light the room – Avoid glare from your screen by evenly lighting the room
- Follow a healthy Diet – Following a healthy diet will help to support your in-game performance by improving decision-making, concentration and energy levels
- Sit properly and regularly stretch – This will help with short-term aches and pains and will protect you from the future gamer hunchback and rounded shoulders
- Stay hydrated – Try to avoid fizzy drinks, and drink lots of water
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Sarah Carter is a health and wellness expert residing in the UK. With a background in healthcare, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, promoting healthier living for readers.
