So I have this theory…

[chargirlgenius]

I was just looking at a blog about waterfalls, and he started discussing negative ions. Theory is, moving water, certain winds, etc. create negative ions, which, when breathed in by humans, boost serotonin levels, alleviating stress and depression.

Ok, this all sounds very good, and like it could be (and has been) totally exploited by marketers. I know there are negative ion purifiers, etc.

On the flip side, devices like computer monitors put forth positive ions. Hm. Is that why people are always so pissy on the internet? (And why I’m always hating my job….?) Maybe I just need to get a waterfall for my desk. :-D

Or maybe this theory is just a big ol’ duh.

Comments

[isabelladangelo.livejournal.com]

Imho, I think the reason why we become negative around the computer is because, as much as well all hate to admit it, we are animals. It is unnatural for a human being to be sitting in the exact same spot for 8 or so hours a day. Humans are meant to hunt, gather, farm, or do some other activity that at least involves walking or making something. We are meant to do something that involves more than moving our fingers for 8 hours. Because of our self imposed constraints to "do a good job" as part of the corporate/gov't workforce, we force ourself, against our natures, to be tied down to a desk all day and only move our fingers.

Now, the reason, I believe, the waterfall and other aspects of nature create a calming affect is simply because we are animals. The natural surroundings appeal to our instictual animal self. Humans are rather unique in being a wanderers and we also are rather unique in liking "pretty" things. Most waterfalls are pretty. Flowers, the way the light falls through the autumn leaves, these are the things we enjoy because almost all humans enjoy natural aspects of life given our feral past.