What is the maximum amt. of time a person can safely and sanely use his or her computer on a daily basis?

What do you think, considering the overall health of the body, mind, spirit, and planet? Figure in back problems due to posture, carpal tunnel syndrome, vision problems, radiation and e.m.f. exposure, addictions or compulsions, computer "autism" (or deteriorating social skills), energy consumption, and personal safety issues--weighed ag. the numerous benefits of being online or using your computer.

I am in the process of cutting back--for health reasons and bec. of a renewed concern about environmental sustainability. Call it living healthy and green in the city. As a coll./univ. prof., writer, Y/A lover, myspace user, meetup group organizer, dvd/movie/youtube lover, and information junkie, this is a big challenge. lol

So, what is "normal" or healthy--in your view? How much time do you spend on the computer each day? How do we know when enough is enough?

Wow you did your homework on this. :-) I worked as a Clinical Assistant, (desk job), an 8 hour day, doing paper work, data entry, phone etc....and my eyes started straining a bit after a while of working there. I worked there a year almost before I quit to become a stay at home Mom. Then I got hooked on this game building amusement parks and taking virtual rollercoaster rides on the ones I built, and I would be on for roughly three hours at a time non stop. This was my break while my husband and son played. I went to the eye doc, and I have reading glasses that I wear if I am on the computer for a length of time.
It seems like anything we do these days, affects our health one way or another whether it's food, technoloy, o-zone, sun...etc. There's no escape no matter how hard you try. You can definitely minimize your risks, but our economy and the way its built, and evolving, I'm wondering if we will learn more ways of "being green", or if we will steer towards more dangerous health risks with our newest technology etc.? This will be a great subject for your students to write on. They can get their facts, state them, and then also write their feelings about the whole subject, and what they can do to help. I wish I were in your class. :-) I loved English when I was in school. Especially writing papers, creative writing, and fiction writing.
Normal time on the computer for me would be 3 hours. Then I believe you should take a break and go outside, let your eyes adjust and rest from looking at the screen. Then go back and do your work.
I know when enough is enough when my eyes start hurting. Then for sure I have to get off the computer. Or if I have a headache. Then I just need to get off for a while. Sometimes I have to rub my temples to help my eyes relax, and believe it or not, massaging your ears helps relieve tention as well. It works wonders!
Be well my cyber friend... :-)

I would not go more than 3 hours. It mess with your eyes(strain). Also, your laptop battery may quit( if that is what you are using)

when your eyes get blood shot, you can not get up with out pain your hands hurt and head then i would say it is about enough.

Lol great question. I am on my computer all the time. I turn it on before I even tinkle. It has been good for me. I have serious health problems and being on the computer keeps me connected to the outside world...especially in winter months.
I spent 5 years in bed in the early 1980's and think if I had had a computer then I would have had a stronger desire to live as I would have still been connected to people. You would be amazed at how so called friends drift away when they see a fellow friend dying.

Very interesting question!! I probably average 4 hours a day....Not work related....well maybe more...as I have Netflix and love watching movies on the computer....
I sure wish I had a computer growing up as I find I can read much better on the computer then holding a book or newspaper. Or it seems so to me. I don't know why this is. As a senior I can just imagine what a great student I would have been had I had a computer at hand.

I am concerned about the side effects of being on the computer to much. I hope to get a device to have it on my TV which has a bigger screen and then I can sit on the couch or my easy chair.....
I do not know what is healthy....but I do know it has been easier to give up friends who were useless as the computer has given me many cyber friends. I am not as lonesome as I was. I am better traveled...cyberwise that is and have a huge knowledge base of trivia.
I could become a hermit with my computer. Wish there was a weight loss program....LOL...
Don't move my body much and that's a problem.....

I am a happier person believe because of the computer...
I will be anxious to see the other replies to your question...
Thank you for asking!!
I didn't answer your question...just comments...Sorry!

i can't put a number here, but this place is a vice. i think it can consume you. i get exhausted in front of my comp if i've been at it on and off all day.....i think i'm tired, but then i get up and move around, play a game with kids (im' a teacher by day) that gets us jumping around and running, and all of a sudden, i'm bursting with energy. it goes to show you that sitting still can really get cyclical and lethargy-inducing.

a bit off topic, but related: yesterday, i had a power outage for the evening in my home. we lit candles and everyone fell asleep except for me. i was still very much awake. now, i would usually look on cable for a movie once my wife was asleep OR i'd log on to the computer to check out the social sites or whatever, but i couldn't. know what i did? i sat and looked at the wall and found my mind wondering....i thought about high school, kids, family, friends i don't know the wherabouts of, things i was passionate about as a teen, etc. i sat thinking for hours. . .. in a way that i haven't thought for MONTHS, at least.

the computer is SO addictive and stimulating that we become these stimulus-junkies. i don't know what "a good amount of time" to be on or away from it is, but i DO know i get more done and feel better when i don't commit so much time to it...in home OR at work.

I usually spend about 2-3 hours everyday. I try to avoid the comp. on the weekends. I'm more worried about my posture more than anything. That's one reason why I've backed off. Especially since I'd spend about 30 hours a week on a comp. when I was in college.
To answer your question, though, I think that 2-3hours should be enough.

Millions of people use computers everyday without knowing if this practice has adverse effects on us.............this means that humans are used just like lab rats right now and the results of the expiriment will be known when the next generation gets born. Incidently, the same practice is taking place with respect to the use of cell phones.

Personally speaking - wire me into the matrix.

I'm not sure whats healthy, forgive me for a humourous response to a serious question, but I pretty much live on the net, its connected 24/7, not that I am on the PC 24/7 but its generally only a stones throw away.

I think 8 hours, with breaks in between is enough time to satisfy the addiction. If you haven't eaten or talked to a human being all day, then it is past time to get off and see about being a bit more social.
I am not much for rules. I'm sure to break this one. I wish you the best of luck in getting the PC off your back.
C. :)!!