Scientific studies on vision have demonstrated that rates of myopia, or shortsightedness, have been rising, to the extent that within the next twenty-five years, half of the population of the world will be myopic. While there are genetic reasons for this, a recent article published in BBC Science Focus magazine reports that environmental factors are playing a part, including people spending less time outdoors in the sun with diverse, visually rich stimulation, and more time indoors staring at screens and digital devices close-up and surrounded by “straight lines and monochrome walls.” Write a short story that takes place somewhere along this spectrum of technology affecting human evolution. Are there characteristics besides eyesight that are worsening?
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