Researchers: Technology Addiction a Growing Problem

"And I thought I had it bad: I look at a closed laptop sitting on the table and I wonder what I'm missing. But that may be nothing: New research is stating that all the gizmos and gadgets that surround us are part of a real, clinical addiction problem for some users. It's a problem that is so bad for some, says the BBC, "that people wake up several times a night to check their emails and text messages." Now that's a problem.

The study focused on just 360 British technology users which suggested, shockingly, that a third of those in the study could suffer from some form of technology addiction. That sounds high, but I'm guessing that addiction in this sense comes in a variety of severities, from mildly neurotic (like myself) to full-blown nutjob (like the people who sleep with their BlackBerry on the pillow next to them).

Researcher Nada Kakabadse notes that modern consumers can become addicted to just about anything, but that the portable, mobile aspect of technology has now made it a far more likely candidate for addiction, since it can now be within arm's reach 24 hours a day.

What are the signals of technology addiction? While later-stage addicts exhibit anxiety, societal withdrawal, and relationship problems, early-stage addicts may actually find themselves more productive than before, as they respond more quickly to text messages and emails. While Kakabadse is studying how widespread this issue is, she is calling on employers to provide training into the appropriate use of mobile tech devices. Naturally, you might consider placing limits on your own use, too, lest you wake up one morning snuggled up with your iPhone.

Source: Researchers: Technology Addiction a Growing Problem Yahoo Wed News (20 Feb 2008) [Original Text & comments]