Women are more than twice as likely to suffer ‘iPad neck’ as men, new research suggests.
Some 70 percent of female tablet users develop ongoing pain in their neck and shoulders compared to just 30 percent of men, a US study found.
iPad neck occurs when users slump over a tablet while it rests in their laps without any back support, such as while sitting on a bench or on the ground.
This causes pressure on the spine, leading to strained neck and shoulder muscles.
Women are thought to be more at risk of iPad neck due to them generally having weaker muscles, as well as shorter arms and narrower shoulders. This causes worse posture while typing, according to the researchers.
Women are more than twice as likely to suffer ‘iPad neck’ as men (stock)
iPad neck affects 15% of sufferers’ sleep
The researchers, from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, analysed 412 university students, staff and alumni who use touchscreen tablets.
The participants were asked about any neck or shoulder pain.
Results suggest 10 percent of people with iPad neck experience severe discomfort, while 15 percent claim the pain affects their sleep.
Yet, only 46 percent said they would consider giving up their tablet.
Students are thought to be particularly at risk due to them often not having a dedicated work space and instead studying cross-legged on the floor.
Some 77 percent of women use their iPad while sitting on the floor compared to just 23 percent of men, the study found.
The findings were published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science.
Good social media experiences do not outweigh the bad
This comes after research released earlier this month suggested good social media experiences do not outweigh the bad.
For every 10 percent increase in negative social media experiences, people’s risk of depression rises by 20 percent, a study by the University of Pittsburgh found.
This low mood is not reversed by positive interactions, such as the ‘like’ of a picture or a nice comment, the research adds.
The researchers believe social media makes people feel down and inadequate due to others posting the highlight reels of their lives.
Dr Michael Schoenbaum, from the National Institute of Mental Health, who was not involved in the study, said: ‘One error in social media is to imagine if you turn it off your social life is over.
‘As a parent, I definitely think turning it off needs to be an option’.