Anthropology of Technology
How did you get your breakfast? Did you forage for berries or fetch eggs from the chickens in the coop? Probably not! Over the last few centuries, the rapid advancement of technology has fundamentally reshaped human life. From the Agricultural Revolution to the Digital Revolution, each technological advancement has had a corresponding influence on health. Technology’s influence can have both negative and positive effects. While new technologies have effectively removed much of the physical activity from human life, the field of digital health focuses on using technology to reintroduce physical activity into our lifestyles. Specifically, the field of digital health uses technologies to enhance health by making interventions more precise, efficient, accessible, and affordable.
The Double-Edged Impact of Technology on Health and Movement
From hunting and gathering to factory labor and desk jobs, technology has not only transformed how we live but also how we move, influencing our health in both beneficial and detrimental ways. Viewed through an anthropological lens, these technological shifts demonstrate how innovation has eased the physical demands of daily life. In most developed countries, life expectancy has increased significantly over the last 150 years due to advancements in medicine, workplace safety, and other technological innovations. However, these same technologies have also reduced the need for physical exertion, contributing to the rising public health issue of sedentary lifestyles.
The Evolution of Technology and Its Impact
Historically, obtaining food required immense physical effort. Early humans hunted, gathered, and farmed to meet their basic needs. However, with the Industrial Revolution came transformative changes—machinery replaced manual labor, and people moved from rural to urban environments, leading to more sedentary lifestyles. As factories sprouted, human labor became less physically intensive but more mentally taxing. This shift began to reshape the physical activity levels of entire populations.
The Convenience Revolution
Fast forward to the 20th century, the introduction of cars and household appliances like washing machines and refrigerators further reduced the need for daily exertion. Innovations in transportation and household technology made life more convenient but also less active. We no longer needed to walk long distances or labor intensively at home, creating a landscape where physical activity became optional rather than a necessity.
The Digital Revolution and Sedentary Lifestyles
By the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the digital revolution had taken hold. With the advent of computers, the internet, and smartphones, everyday tasks—work, communication, entertainment—shifted online. While these technologies have significantly enhanced global connectivity and productivity, they have also introduced new barriers to physical activity. We now spend more time sitting at desks, staring at screens, and relying on cars and food delivery services to meet our daily needs.
This convenience comes at a cost. Research is indisputable that sedentary lifestyles are linked to a range of chronic diseases, including obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. In the scope of human history, we have rapidly engineered physical activity out of our lives—and in many ways, we are paying the price.
Reclaiming Physical Activity in the Age of Technology
Despite these technological advancements, one thing remains clear: humans were designed to move. Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining health and preventing chronic disease. However, technology can be a double-edged sword. While it has contributed to a sedentary lifestyle, it also offers innovative ways to reintroduce physical activity and improve a range of health-related behaviors. From fitness apps and wearable devices to virtual exercise communities, today’s digital tools can be used to promote healthier, more active lifestyles.
Iowa State University’s Digital Health Pulse is a blog written by professors from the Master of Digital Health program, offering insights into the intersection of technology and health. Subscribe and stay tuned for more articles on digital health trends and innovations!
References
Center for Disease Control. (2024). Benefits of Physical Activity.
Human Physical Fitness and Activity: An Evolutionary and Life History Perspective (Human Behavior, Biology and Evolution) 1st ed. 2016 Edition, Ann E. Caldwell.
Microsoft Copilot AI generated the images in this article.