Now Where Did I Put My ‘Crackberry?’
Last Saturday, I posted 'Disconnect Doesn't Have to Be a Bad Thing' . This is a follow-up of some additional thoughts about the addictive nature of our relationship to our technology of connectivity.
In that article, I spoke to Mark Gorkin, LCISW, "The Stress Doc™”, a licensed clinical social worker who is a Motivational Humorist/Psychohumorist, keynote and kick-off speaker. Mr. Gorkin stressed “The ever-present use of technology (especially cell phones) has come to signify a lack of respect for social boundaries. When I’m riding on the Metro, I don’t need to overhear what someone is planning for dinner!” Gorkin also is concerned about the levels of self-absorption and dangerous distractions related to our connectivity.
This obsession to stay connected has elements of addictive behavior. I know I personally experienced some mild withdrawal symptoms recently (agitation and anxiety) when my hard drive crashed and I was without the Internet and e-mail for several days. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) defines addiction to alcohol and other substances as “a destructive pattern of use, leading to significant social, occupational or medical impairment.” Now not all of that definition may apply, but there are strong similarities. The following are some criteria for substance dependence:
- Increased tolerance – The need for markedly increased amounts of (the substance).
- (Substance) was often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.
- Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control (substance) use.
- Important social, occupational, or recreational activities given up or reduced because of (substance) use.
- Withdrawal symptoms – physical agitation and anxiety.
Interesting, I haven't heard of blackberries being called crackberries, but they aren't that prevalent where I live! It's probably a much bigger phenomenom in US
ReplyDelete"Take a break from your technology toys"!
ReplyDeleteJust the idea brings me out in a cold sweat! I think it's to do with being new to blogging but at the moment I've very fixated on the widgets that go with it. A month or so back my computer was out of action for 24 hours and, yes, I felt quite distressed!
Hi Dawn:
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly the reaction I'm describing! We are so dependent on our widgets.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Nancy
Hi Nancy,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! There was a time when I was a workaholic with anorexia. I identified with being a workaholic, but not a person with anorexia. I am curious if the increase in the crackberry work-style is correlated with an increase in eating disorders. onset or relapse of anorexia.
Do you have any information about this?
Thank you for making a difference!
ms. em
Hi Ms. Em:
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments.
I only have anecdotal information on the correlation between the workaholic lifestyle and onset/relapse of eating disorders.
I think large doses of stress can exacebate all addictive or compulsive behaviors.
It sounds like you have some good insight into your own struggle with both!
Take care,
Nancy