That 'Mindy' model showing how tech overuse may cause deformed human bodies is 'clickbait', 'bad science'

• This week, a publication covered a post by TollFreeForwarding, released just over a year ago.
• The post was based on "research" showing how humans may evolve to have deformed bodies in the year 3000, due to technology overuse.
• However, the now-viral post is inaccurate, "clickbait" and "bad science", a South African researcher told News24.

The year is 3000: humans have evolved to have deformed bodies, a second eyelid, claw-like hands, thicker skulls, smaller brains, and 90-degree elbows, thanks to overusing technology.

It is a terrifying image, conjured into a 3D model, named "Mindy", and posted by TollFreeForwarding.com.

It is as absurd as it sounds.

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According to the science and technology news website, Futurism, TollFreeForwarding is "just lazy spam intended to juice search engine results".

Sourcing 'expert opinion'

"To fully realise the impact everyday tech has on us, we sourced scientific research and expert opinion on the subject, before working with a 3D designer to create a future human whose body has physically changed due to consistent use of smartphones, laptops, and other tech," the website read.

"Could Mindy be the human of 3000 and beyond?" it added.

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Surprisingly, the study was mentioned on StudyFinds, which features the latest published research studies from top universities and marketing agencies.

"StudyFinds does not take a position on any body of research it publishes, as unbelievable as some of the reports may seem to the average reader. The report ... very clearly, comes away with an extreme prediction," read an Editor's Note.

'Vast exaggeration'

If you are still questioning the possibility of these horrifying predictions being correct, one expert told News24 Mindy "is a vast exaggeration".

A researcher and lecturer in biological anthropology at Free State University, Dr Petra Maass (PhD Anatomy), teaches about the human body, especially the skeleton, and how it changes over time.

She said:

Indeed, while TollFreeForwarding said it sourced scientific research and expert opinion, Futurism pointed out its authority on spinal development, for instance, was a "health and wellness expert" who has a business degree and a site that sells massage lotion.

"While human bodies are constantly changing - even from one generation to the next, and even in the South African context - the proposed changes suggested by 'Mindy' are unlikely and more accurately clickbait," said Maass.