The term 'digital society' refers to a technologically advanced culture that uses computers and smartphones to communicate and manage personal life, businesses, social interactions, education, politics, entertainment, and more. In such a world, it is essential for individuals to be digitally literate, meaning they have the ability to operate electronic devices and access the internet without difficulty.
Physical literacy - the ability to move, navigate, create, construct, and interact physically - has declined dramatically due to reduced physical activity and sedentary lifestyles. This essay will examine how this trend influences human evolution.
Manual skills
Manual skills refer to the dexterity required to manipulate objects physically using one's hands. They include typing speed, handwriting legibility, keyboarding abilities, computer graphics manipulation, and more. The decline of manual skills can lead to muscle weakness, loss of balance, reduced fine motor control, and impaired cognitive function.
A study found that individuals who used touch screens performed worse on tasks requiring fine motor control than those who typed on keyboards. Another study reported that students with low keyboarding proficiency had lower academic achievement. Thus, the digital age may result in a population less adept at handling physical tools and objects.
Spatial reasoning
Spatial reasoning involves understanding the spatial relationships between objects, including distance, direction, location, and size. It is important for activities like driving, navigation, map reading, puzzle solving, design, and craftsmanship. With decreased opportunities to explore the natural environment or engage in tactile experiences, children and adults are becoming less skilled at spatial reasoning. Studies show that individuals with poorer spatial skills perform worse on tests, struggle in social settings, and have higher rates of accidental injury.
Spatial awareness plays a role in empathy and emotional intelligence, which impacts interpersonal connections. As a result, reduced spatial reasoning could contribute to reduced social cohesion and isolationism.
Evolutionary consequences
The decline of physical literacy has implications for human evolution. Firstly, it may reduce genetic diversity by reducing survival rates among offspring with weaker physical capabilities. Secondly, it may select against individuals unable to adapt to new technologies, leading to reduced reproductive success. Thirdly, it may lead to reliance on technology, diminishing our ability to operate independently without it. Fourthly, it may alter brain development, especially in young people whose brains are still malleable. Fifthly, it may promote sedentariness, increasing obesity and related health issues. Lastly, it may decrease physical activity levels, compromising overall health and longevity. In short, digital societies must prioritize cultivating physical literacy to ensure a thriving future.
How does the decline of physical literacy (manual skills, spatial reasoning) influence human evolution in digital societies?
The decline in physical literacy can be seen as an impact on human evolution due to a lack of exposure to basic manual skills that are needed for survival and development in society. While it is true that technology has made life easier and more convenient than ever before, there are still many aspects of daily living that require us to engage with our bodies and the environment around us. This includes tasks such as cooking, gardening, and navigating outdoors.