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Post: From Smoke Rings to Screen Glows: The Evolution of Addictions in Canadian Culture
From Smoke Rings to Screen Glows: The Evolution of Addictions in Canadian Culture. Smartphones are increasingly being compared to cigarettes in terms of their addictive nature. This parallel draws attention to the possibility that, in the future, we might view our reliance on smartphones with the same astonishment that we now regard the widespread smoking habit of the past. In 1965, the U.S. Surgeon General’s declaration that cigarettes are a definitive cancer cause led to a decline in smoking rates in Canada—a trend that started a year after the announcement, strategically made on a Saturday to avoid impacting the stock market. Prior to this, smoking was a ubiquitous part of Canadian culture, with about half of the population aged 15 and older being regular smokers. Smoking was common in various public spaces, including offices, bars, and even hospitals. Despite the widespread knowledge of their harmful effects, cigarettes were seen as an inseparable aspect of life in Canada.
However, the smoking landscape in Canada drastically changed, showcasing a significant reduction in the number of smokers to just one in ten Canadians by 2022. This shift illustrates the potential for deeply ingrained habits and industries to diminish over time, a fate that could also befall the smartphone industry, which is currently valued at approximately $500 billion (U.S.) annually.
The narrative of cigarettes in Canada, from their dominance to decline, serves as a reminder of the transient nature of cultural and business phenomena. This story includes personal anecdotes of witnessing the end of the smoking era in Canada, highlighting the rapid change from smoking being a norm in bars and restaurants to becoming a frowned-upon activity. The historical context provided by Allan M. Brandt in “The Cigarette Century” emphasizes the rise of smoking through business innovation and advertising, and its eventual decline as the dangers became undeniable and societal attitudes shifted.
Similarly, the smartphone has experienced a meteoric rise since the introduction of the iPhone in 2007, becoming an essential part of daily life for a vast majority of Canadians across all age groups. This surge in smartphone usage mirrors the early 20th-century rise of cigarette smoking, albeit at a much faster pace. The comparison extends to the health and social concerns associated with smartphones, including their impact on mental health, social interactions, and even physical safety, such as distracted driving.
The critique of smartphones, and by extension social media apps, for their addictive designs and the potential harms they pose, mirrors the historical battles fought over cigarette usage. The article suggests that the future may see a shift in how smartphones are integrated into society, possibly through legal and social pressures aimed at making them less addictive and pervasive. This reflection on the potential trajectory of smartphone usage invites contemplation on the current era’s technological habits and their long-term sustainability.
From Smoke Rings to Screen Glows: The Evolution of Addictions in Canadian Culture
The rapid proliferation of cell phones, along with advances in wireless technologies like WiFi and 5G, has transformed the way we live, work, and communicate, offering unprecedented levels of connectivity and convenience. However, this technological revolution has also sparked concerns about potential health impacts, both immediate and long-term. One of the primary concerns revolves around the exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and radiofrequency radiation emitted by these devices and networks. While the World Health Organization and other scientific bodies continue to study these effects, the long-term exposure implications remain a topic of ongoing research and debate.
Current guidelines and standards for EMF exposure are based on short-term, immediate health effects, such as tissue heating. However, the potential for longer-term effects, including cancer, neurological diseases, and reproductive issues, has not been conclusively ruled out, leading to calls for more comprehensive, long-term studies. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B), based on an increased risk for glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer, associated with wireless phone use.
Moreover, the rapid deployment of 5G technology, which relies on higher frequency bands and a denser network of base stations and antennas, has intensified these health concerns. 5G networks promise faster data speeds and more reliable connections but require more transmitters placed closer to residential areas, increasing the ubiquity of exposure. Critics argue that the health impacts of these higher frequencies on humans and the environment have not been studied extensively enough to ensure their safety.
Beyond the physical health concerns, the omnipresence of cell phones and wireless technology raises questions about their impact on mental health and social well-being. Issues such as smartphone addiction, sleep disruption, and the effects on children and teenagers’ cognitive and social development are increasingly becoming areas of concern. The interplay between technology and health is complex, and as we continue to navigate this digital age, it becomes imperative to balance the benefits of these innovations with proactive measures to safeguard our health. Ensuring robust, independent research into the long-term health effects of EMFs and fostering a public dialogue about safe technology use are crucial steps toward mitigating potential risks and shaping a future where technology serves to enhance human health, not detract from it.
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About the Author: Bernard Aybout (Virii8)
