Context
As a father, husband, autism advocate, and independent contractor in software project management, I’ve been deeply invested in the future we’re shaping for our children, especially in how we choose to connect. I find myself at a crossroads, wrestling with the balance between embracing the convenience of online socialization and safeguarding the traditional in-person experiences that are becoming increasingly rare. The rise of platforms like Discord has made it easier for people, particularly those with autism, to find communities where they can feel understood and accepted. However, I’m growing increasingly concerned about what we might be sacrificing along the way—especially when it comes to the impact of technology on our health.
The Hidden Dangers of 5G Technology
One of the most pressing concerns I have is the rapid expansion of 5G technology. While it’s often hailed as a groundbreaking advancement, offering faster internet speeds and more reliable connections, there’s a darker side to this technological leap that we must not ignore. Research suggests that the radio waves emitted by 5G could pose significant health risks, particularly when exposure is constant and widespread.
Elon Musk’s ambitious plan to launch over 2,000 satellites to provide global 5G coverage only amplifies these concerns. The idea of being constantly bathed in radio waves, no matter where you are on the planet, is chilling. While the convenience of being able to connect from anywhere is tempting, the potential health risks—ranging from increased cancer risks to neurological effects—are alarming. In the autism community, where many individuals are already more sensitive to environmental factors, this is especially concerning.
Accredited sources like the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health have highlighted potential links between long-term exposure to radio frequency radiation and adverse health effects. While more research is needed, the early findings are enough to make any parent think twice about how much technology we’re willing to embrace without fully understanding the consequences.
The Erosion of In-Person Socialization
Another dimension to this issue is how the increasing reliance on online interactions might be eroding the value of face-to-face connections. For many young people today, the first date is more likely to happen on a screen than in person. While online spaces can offer a refuge for those who find in-person socialization challenging, there’s a danger in making these spaces the default rather than a supplement to real-world interactions.
In my own family, I’ve seen the appeal of platforms like Discord. They offer a space where kids on the spectrum or not can be herself without the pressures that often accompany in-person
interactions. However, as much as I appreciate the benefits of these online communities, I worry that they may also be enabling avoidance of the very real and necessary skills that come from in-person socialization.
A Call for Balance
So where do we go from here? I believe the answer lies in balance. We must continue to create safe, inclusive spaces—both online and offline—for individuals with autism and others who may struggle with traditional socialization. However, we should be cautious about leaning too heavily on technology, especially when the potential health risks are still not fully understood.
As an advocate, I see the need for both types of spaces. But as a father, I’m deeply concerned about the long-term effects of a world where in-person interaction becomes a rarity rather than the norm. We must be mindful of the risks that come with over-reliance on technology, particularly when it comes to the uncharted territory of 5G.
Let’s not lose sight of the value of meeting face-to-face, even as we embrace the convenience of online connections. Our health, and the health of our children, may depend on it.
external links
[1] International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health