Physical

Emotional

PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS

While most indicators of technostress fall under the category of emotional symptoms, there are several, sometimes severe, physical symptoms that are directly related to the simple fact that an increasing number of librarians’ activities are physically conducted in front of a computer. 

This lack of physical variation in tasks, of being “stuck in front of the computer all day”, sometimes combined with poor ergonomics ( for more information on ergonomics, click here: ) and/or posture, results in complaints of:

• eyestrain

• headaches

• backaches

• shoulder pain

• neck pain

• carpal tunnel syndrome (a painful wrist disorder -- click here for more information   )

As well, some of the emotional symptoms can also manifest themselves physically, through psychosomatic ailments such as:

• chronic muscle tension

• shortness of breath

• peptic ulcers