There was a time when the word "PDA" was only associated with "public displays of affection". Who knew that this acronym would later become a love object coveted by the masses!
I came across this site, The Center for Internet Addiction and Recovery, recently. I actually came upon it because I ran a search just to see if there was a quiz to see how addicted you may be to cyberspace. I had heard about internet addiction, but a center for this addiction in cyberspace? It seems a bit self defeating. But, who can resist a quiz, right FB users? So I took it thinking I was going to be off the charts. I am happy to report that I was labeled and "average" user of cyberspace. But, I did score a 45. 50 puts you into "the internet is impacting my life" threshold. If I ever start communicating with my husband through status updates while I am sitting right next to him, I will know I have crossed over.
I have come to grips with the fact that I along with many among us are afflicted with borderline if not downright internet/computer addiction. We have become dependent on the internet or computer for most aspects of daily life. To illustrate my point, my productivity plummeted recently when our network at work went down and I lost my files for a good 3 hours. I even had to have my calendar pulled so that I could know what patients were coming in the next day. Yes I had a back up on another network, but when everything is down what do you do?!
I didn't used to be this way. I checked my email but I never felt compelled to read or reply at that slightest Pavlovian stimulus of an email alert. That changed when we moved to Warsaw and my physical connection to home, family and friends was severely impacted. I remember spending Mikayla’s naps on-line and keeping the computer on while I was home so I could get emails instantly at least when I was home. But, still it was manageable.
I have come to grips with the fact that I along with many among us are afflicted with borderline if not downright internet/computer addiction. We have become dependent on the internet or computer for most aspects of daily life. To illustrate my point, my productivity plummeted recently when our network at work went down and I lost my files for a good 3 hours. I even had to have my calendar pulled so that I could know what patients were coming in the next day. Yes I had a back up on another network, but when everything is down what do you do?!
I didn't used to be this way. I checked my email but I never felt compelled to read or reply at that slightest Pavlovian stimulus of an email alert. That changed when we moved to Warsaw and my physical connection to home, family and friends was severely impacted. I remember spending Mikayla’s naps on-line and keeping the computer on while I was home so I could get emails instantly at least when I was home. But, still it was manageable.
One day a friend opened my eyes to MySpace. Never was much of a MySpace fan, but soon a Facebook invitation arrived. We clicked instantly, Facebook and I. The love affair began. I slowly reconnected with my friends and expanded that network with childhood friends (some whom I have known since preschool), long lost family members, friends and even neighbors. Brilliant, I thought. I checked Facebook daily, multiple times a day. But still, that was ok because I had other things to do that kept me out of the house and away from the computer.This past December, we moved back the USA and that's where I met the ultimate enabler. My iPhone (how I love thee!). At first, I wasn't so fond of typing with my thumbs (a new Olympic sport) on this sensitive screen and such and really didn't take the time to get to know it. But, it was a diamond in the rough - once I got to know it, I was hooked.
With this small, palm sized gadget, I can check my email, status updates and news at any given time. I can remember times when the best you could to keep busy while waiting anywhere was to bring a good book. I remember times when I actually had to wait to have my most simple desires met. Not so anymore!
With this small, palm sized gadget, I can check my email, status updates and news at any given time. I can remember times when the best you could to keep busy while waiting anywhere was to bring a good book. I remember times when I actually had to wait to have my most simple desires met. Not so anymore!
Child meltdown on the horizon? Access the Smack Talk app and speak to them like in Hamster speak and they forget why they were angry in the first place. Hear a song you like and want to know the name? Click on Shazam and you have the name and a link to iTunes in case you are so inclined to buy it. From the time the thought first enters your mind until you have that song in your iPhone/Pod - 2 minutes!!! You don't even have to wait to watch TV until you go home - you can transfer/convert anything you record on TIVO to your iPhone (or iPod). Child with a case of the gimmies at the grocery store? Pop on their favorite Disney or Nickolodeon show for about 20 minutes of grocery shopping bliss! You can also use it as an mp3 for music or audiobooks. It is the only true remote control! Is there anything this gadget can't do? I am waiting for the app that allows me to clean my house with a shake of the iPhone or zaps the children (and even the husband) into submission at the touch of a button.
After becoming more aware that I was checking texts and emails every time the thing dinged, I began holding back the urge to tap the screen. It felt like withdrawl. It would be much easier if Sirius XM was not on there now. But, I pay for a subscription so I might as well listen to it - everywhere I go!
I know I am not alone. Please share your iPhone or Crackberry addiction stories in comment section of this blog. To get you started, start off your comment with “My name is (insert name) and I am an iPhone/Blackberry addict. My last (screen tap, text msg or status update) was (insert minutes, hours, days here).” !
After becoming more aware that I was checking texts and emails every time the thing dinged, I began holding back the urge to tap the screen. It felt like withdrawl. It would be much easier if Sirius XM was not on there now. But, I pay for a subscription so I might as well listen to it - everywhere I go!
I know I am not alone. Please share your iPhone or Crackberry addiction stories in comment section of this blog. To get you started, start off your comment with “My name is (insert name) and I am an iPhone/Blackberry addict. My last (screen tap, text msg or status update) was (insert minutes, hours, days here).” !
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