Breaking News — A major new investigation into the physical toll of modern technology has been released, with journalist and podcaster Manoush Zomorodi warning that our devices are causing real damage to our bodies. Her upcoming book, Body Electric, is the result of a collaboration between NPR and Columbia University Medical Center, and it builds on her earlier work on tech's mental health effects.
“Our devices are not just draining our minds but also causing physical strain that many people ignore,” Zomorodi said in an exclusive interview. The book documents how constant screen use, poor posture, and sedentary behaviors tied to technology are leading to chronic pain, sleep disruption, and even metabolic changes.
Background
Zomorodi first explored the cognitive consequences of tech in her 2017 book Bored and Brilliant, which grew out of her popular podcast Note to Self. That book showed how constant digital stimulation was reducing creativity and attention spans. Now, she is turning to the physical side.
After hosting WNYC’s Note to Self, Zomorodi became the host of NPR’s TED Radio Hour. Her extensive reporting on digital life led to the partnership with Columbia University, where researchers conducted experiments on how technology affects everything from eyesight to muscle tension.
What This Means
For millions who spend hours each day on computers, tablets, and phones, Body Electric offers a wake-up call. Zomorodi argues that small changes—like taking micro-breaks, adjusting screen height, and practicing mindful device use—can significantly improve physical health.
“This isn’t about going back to a pre-tech world,” she said. “It’s about designing our relationship with technology to serve our bodies, not strain them.” The book includes practical guidance drawn from the Columbia research, and Zomorodi hopes it will spark a broader conversation about digital wellness.
Industry experts agree that the findings are urgent. Dr. Lisa Kim, a digital health researcher at Columbia, noted: “We are only beginning to understand the long-term physical impacts of tech saturation. Zomorodi’s work is a crucial step.”
The book is set for release later this year, with a corresponding multi-part series on NPR. For those who feel the daily fatigue of being constantly connected, Body Electric may be the first step toward reclaiming their health.
Related: Read our earlier coverage of tech’s mental health effects in Bored and Brilliant.