I have been thinking for some time how there may be parallels to the typical symptoms we get using new tech, and mild forms of epilepsy.
Here is a quote from a very old video game manual from the early 1990's.
A very small percentage of individuals may experience epileptic seizures when exposed to certain light patterns or flashing lights. Exposure to certain patterns or backgrounds on a television screen or while playing video games may induce an epileptic seizure in these individuals. Certain conditions may induce undetected epileptic symptoms even in persons who have no history of prior seizures or epilepsy. If you, or anyone in your family, has an epileptic condition, consult your physician prior to playing. If you experiance any of the following symptoms while playing a video game - dizziness, altered vision, eye or muscle twitches, loss of awareness, disorientation, any involuntary movement, or convulsions - IMMEDIATELY discontinue use and consult your physician before resuming play.
So I notice it says if I get 'any' of the above symptoms. If I apply that logic to modern devices, I should discontinue use and consult a physician. What happens at this point? We are told that they don't know what the issue is and/or we are prescribed anti-seizure medications. Has anybody tried these medications and does it alleviate symptoms?
At least in my situation, it seems all modern tech is unusable. That's not hyperbole, either.
Games Consoles: I have tried Xbox One, Nintendo Switch - both caused symptoms similar to the disclaimer above.
Smartphones: Ditto, can't find a usable device
Computers: Again, I can't upgrade to Windows 10 or use any Apple or *nix based system.
Televisions: OTA (over the air) Television is broadly okay, depending on the set, however smart apps induce symptoms.
Blu-ray/DVD: Modern players are also causing symptoms.
E-readers: I have a 10year old reader which seems comfortable but haven't tried paperwhite etc.
So from my perspective, almost every avenue of technology involving a visual stimulus nowadays causes immediate symptoms. If I were to follow the disclaimer, I should stop use immediately. So where does that leave us? Should we be able to claim benefits as in my view not only are we 'disabled' in a literal sense (unable to work/work effectively) but are increasingly cut off from society (unable to operate a phone for a prolonged time means unable to stay on a video call for long, meaning lack of social contact etc).
I may be an extreme case, and others here may only have issues with one category of devices above, but I literally could use any electronic device just over a decade ago without any issues. My eye prescription has remained identical since the late 1990's, I've also had a MRI so haven't developed any neurological condition in the last 10 years.
Myself being in the UK, we have benefits for these situations, however it's usually for more established conditions (like epilepsy). However, OTOH, I am physically 'fit to work' however have no experience in careers outside of an office. If I make a disability claim and am told "You can't use computers, but you're perfectly physically able, so get a job in construction/learn a new trade". This is true, however I am at a disadvantage if I had the potential to become say a full stack developer, but now cannot earn such a salary as I am waiting tables in a restaurant. So in that regard, although a change of career had to happen, it wasn't by choice. Interested to hear your thoughts.