Researchers from Toll Free Forwarding created 'Mindy' to show what people could look like by the year 3000, and they predict that due to our reliance on technology our posture will change
Technology is essential to our day-to-day lives and most people are guilty of looking at their phones a little bit too much, whether it's for online shopping or checking social media. But it's not just phones, as many people work in offices, spending their time sitting in chairs looking at large screens, typing on a keyboard in front of them. But some suspect this could be bad for humanity, and now researchers have created 'Mindy', a model of what humans could evolve into by the year 3000. With a thicker neck, a hunched-over posture, and a smaller brain - it's a horrifying glimpse into the future that could be awaiting mankind if the predictions made by Toll Free Forwarding are correct.
What do you think about technology? Let us know in the comments...
A spokesperson said: "Technology has revolutionized the way we do business.
"Whether it's the instant access to infinite knowledge through a device in our pocket, or the ability for businesses to expand into new markets all over the world with a virtual phone number, the scope of technology's impact is limitless, and this trend shows no sign of letting up. "While this has been great for job creation, productivity, and learning new skills, there is a growing body of evidence that uncovers the negative effects technology can have on our bodies. "To fully realize the impact everyday tech has on us, we sourced scientific research and expert opinion on the subject, before working with a 3D designer to create a future human whose body has physically changed due to consistent use of smartphones, laptops, and another tech."
On their website, the experts explained each of the evolutionary changes that we could face.
Arched Back and Neck
They said: "The design and typical user habits of modern tech objects like smartphones and computer monitors have a significant impact on the way we sit and stand.
"Consistently adjusting our position to look down at our phone, or up at our office screen, has been proven to strain parts of our body that determine our posture."
Text Claw
They continued: "A closer look at Mindy's arm reveals two significant anatomical changes, directly caused by the use of one particular tech device – the smartphone. A recently coined condition, 'text claw' occurs after consistently gripping your smartphone, curling your fingers round into an unnatural position for long periods of time."
90-Degree Elbow
They added: "Also known as 'smartphone elbow', this is caused by the typical positioning of the arm when holding and using smartphones – either for general use or holding up to our ears during phone calls."
Tech Neck
They wrote: "Returning to Mindy's posture, the effects of technology on the neck have also given rise to a new condition – aptly named 'tech neck'."
Thicker Skull
They said: "We all know technology can distract our brains from important work, but does it have any lasting damage to Mindy's brain?
"If so, how might she be different when looking to limit that damage? Again, the research centres mainly around smartphones. There are growing concerns that radiofrequency radiation emitted from smartphones could cause serious health implications when exposed to the brain."
Smaller Brain
They added: "The next change to Mindy's appearance isn't noticeable to the naked eye. We may develop thicker skulls, but if one scientific theory is to be believed, technology may also change the size of our brains."
