Some people have problems spending too much time online. But there are also those who read too much, spend too much time in front of the television or play video games too often. While it might seem presumptuous to label people who fit into any of these categories as addicts, they may well be.

Because we live in such a fast-paced world, people are finding it hard to slow down, relax and enjoy down time; they are easily bored without constant stimulation through exposure to Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, email, blogs or texting. While the need to be “connected” using the most up-to-date electronic gadget has never been more widespread, it may also be affecting our ability to effectively communicate in person or without the use of emoticons or texting lingo.
 
To see if you or someone you know is addicted to technology, here are a few questions from a quiz compiled by Gismo.com to see how often you reply “yes.” Their designations of describing a level of addiction are tied to the use of cigarettes and other drugs. For example, answering yes to 50 percent of the questions qualifies a person as a “chain smoker” or someone who recognizes he or she is a little too plugged in and is trying to quit. The person is at a point where technology addictions are starting to ruin social interactions. Someone responding yes to 60 to 70 percent is considered a “pothead” or a person who is addicted but has no desire to quit.
 
Here are some of the 50 questions from the quiz:
 
1.      Do you eat most of your meals while at the computer or in front of the television?
2.      Do you freak out if you’re in a car and there’s no GPS?
3.      Have you ever changed vacation plans based on Wi-Fi availability?
4.      Are there more than two portable electronic devices within reach right now?
5.      Do you buy things online that you could easily drive across town to get in person?
6.      Are you a member of any sort of online “guild?”
7.      Do you bring your smartphone to church with you?
8.      Do you spend more time on Facebook than you do in the presence of actual people?
9.      Do you have three or more active social media accounts?
10.  Do you have more than five tabs open in your browser right now?
11.  Do you tweet or read blogs while watching movies at home?
12.  Do you put your phone on vibrate at the movie theater so you can text a message if needed?
13.  When you sit down in a restaurant, airport or meeting room, do you check to see if there is an outlet nearby, just in case?
14.  Can you type text messages faster than you can handwrite the same words?
15.  Are there more computers and smartphones in your home than people who live there?
 
According to WebMD, the constant interruptions to our day due to technology are robbing us of needed rest for our bodies and our mental state of well being. The two most common side effects of being over-connected are headaches and insomnia. In addition, if the need to be “in touch” puts us on edge, the stress and anxiety can also lead to a heart attack.
 
Accessing the world through technology is a reality and part of living in today’s world. It is amazing to find answers to questions almost immediately and know that you can reach loved ones almost anytime, anywhere. These are positive aspects of technology. However, it is important to know what defines a healthy dose of technology versus too much. Perhaps it’s time to take stock of your own dependency or addiction to technology and see where changes may need to be made.
 

By: Kathleen Riggs - Mar. 2, 2012