Researchers at Rutgers-Camden University and the University of Northampton found that about a third of BlackBerry users show signs that are similar in many way to alcoholism. Psychologist Glenn Wilson pointed out that the compulsive need to answer emails led to changing direction often, making people tired and distracted. He even said that the constant flow of emails and text messages was more of a threat to IQ and concentration than pot! Others have said that BlackBerry addiction is putting more and more strain on relationships, especially when both partners are wearing out their thumbs. The problem has gotten so bad that one professor, in a paper titled "Employer Liability for Addiction to Information and Communication Technology," suggested that employers provide programs to help with BlackBerry addiction in the same way that many offer support for chemical or substances abuses.
Has your BlackBerry addiction ever gotten bad enough that you'd join one of those programs (and I'm talking for real here...not the CrackBerry Rehab forum)?
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11 comments
no it hasn't gotten that bad but I feel it's just a matter of time
This could be true. I know that I will hear the vibrating of my phone in the middle of the night, reach over and grab it on the night stand and look at the email, answer if need be and go back to sleep. Usually doing this without even thinking about it. I keep it on me everywhere I go. Maybe i'm a sick sick person? lol
Get the _____ outta herre... Are you serious.. If your BB is doing this to your life, this bad. You need to find a release and put that telephone down!!!
I wont let them take me Kevin!
WOW this is an interesting but crazy story. I mean COME ON!!!! Can it really...wait hold on gotta check my email on my bb................o hey forgot i was here. so yeah anyways can it really get that bad? hmmmmmm LOL
Once in a while I will catch myself on it more times then not, but never to the point of having to attend a CA (crackberry addict) meeting!
I don't think this will be happening to be until the following happen:
1. Friends and family get a BB (only got 1 friend with a BB)
2. Start getting intellectually stimulating e-mails.
3. Work e-mails get more interesting.
I'm obsessed with checking my e-mail, but know that I got my BB, I can relax and wait for it to tell me that I got a message. I use spend hours in front of my computer refreshing my inbox looking for things to reply to.
Should there be a program designed for this purpose? totally!!!
Addictions are not fun when they start to take a toll in your relationships with people, when you rather be on your BB than spend some "alone" time with your significant others and when your thumbs hurt so bad, you can't open a can of soda and the pain is unbearable.
wow.......this is crazy. but i believe it. i can see it happening.
yes i do want to add that the more that i use my blackberry the urge to at least hold it in my hand while at work, home, or while i am with my significant other. I would not be suprised that yes these kind of programs are going to be forthcoming and maybe even some form of "black berry detox". The question is if this situation does arise for some form of therapy or detox, will they make you leave the bb cold turkey?
lol. id like to meet this psychologist. what a nut job. wants to blame his crackberry for his failed relationship and use it as an excuse for a low IQ from smoking too much pot...maybe he should smoke sum more. haha
Told Ya!