The allure of remote work unarguably heightened following the outbreak of COVID-19, which led to the shutdown of businesses and activities around the world. Even with the years gone by, some people now prefer working remotely from their homes, with its promise of flexibility, work-life balance, and cost savings.
While this paradigm shift has undoubtedly brought about a host of benefits, AI has made a chilling prediction that has cast a shadow over the seemingly idyllic future of remote work.
AI Predicts a Dystopian Future for Remote Workers
In 25 years, remote workers may bear little resemblance to their present-day counterparts, according to AI prediction by job search engine DirectApply. The once vibrant, energetic individuals who embraced the remote lifestyle will have transformed into a pale, hunched-over species, their bodies ravaged by the physical toll of isolation and digital overload.
AI generated a visual representation of a model named “Susan,” who had developed bad eyesight, a ‘tech neck’, inflamed eyes, terrible posture and rapid weight gain after 25 years.
“From reduced social interaction and lack of proper exercise to hunched shoulders and digital eye strain – Susan outlines the many physical implications of what spending hours glued to your laptop can unknowingly be doing to your physical and mental well-being,” a spokesperson at DirectApply said.
Though the model may not be real, the physical implications of remote work down the lane will be equally alarming.
The lack of proper exercise may lead to a surge in obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and musculoskeletal disorders. Hunched shoulders may become a ubiquitous feature of the future remote worker. Eye strain, a result of prolonged exposure to artificial light, will further exacerbate the physical strain, leading to blurred vision, headaches, and eye fatigue.
The mental strain of remote work will compound the physical toll. The lack of face-to-face interactions and the blurred lines between work and personal life will lead to burnout and an inability to disconnect, further exacerbating the mental strain.
Keep a Healthy Lifestyle
In order to maintain a healthy lifestyle, however, Psychologist Dr Rachel M Allan suggests sticking to a healthy routine, connecting with people in any other way possible, and exercising.
“Sticking to a routine that suits your life, your productivity levels, and your job demands is essential to maintaining emotional health when working remotely,” says Dr Rachel. “Going without human contact for long periods of time can lead to higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which raises blood pressure and has harmful effects on physical health.”
