Blog Post: Avoiding the "Technology Junkie" Trap

The Blackberry - or shall I say, "Crackberry" - has truly revolutionized modern-day communication and enabled individuals to maintain a constant state of connectivity. But there's a reason people call it a "Crackberry" - it's highly addictive. A recent survey of Blackberry users by AOL affirms this fact; here are the startling statistics:

• 83% Check Email on vacation
• 59% Check Email the second it arrives
• 53% Check Email in the bathroom
• 59% Check Email in bed
• 37% Check Email while driving
• 12% Check Email while in Church

Additionally, the Internet /Computer Addiction Services of Redmond, Washington, estimates that six to 10 percent of the 189 million Internet users in the United States have a technology addiction as destructive as alcoholism and drug addiction.

While many people may joke about not being able to leave the house without their "Crackberry," technology addiction is no laughing matter. At first, these little black boxes were supposed to make work and life easier, communication more efficient, and enable people to stay in touch while travelling for business. For some though, this constant connectivity has resulted in withdrawal from social interactions, neglect in relationships, difficulty sleeping and even poor job performance and personal productivity.

As more and more employers equip their workforce with Blackberries and other PDAs (personal digital assistants) to help 'increase' productivity, it is important that they also recognize the potential for employees to develop a serious addiction to this technology.  The single most effective way to address technology addiction at the workplace is through an EAP - or employee assistance program. The EAP can provide employees with the necessary tools and information to use new technologies to best advantage, and most importantly, help employees know when to TURN OFF.

ACI Specialty Benefits Corporation is a global provider of EAP, Wellness, Work/Life, Concierge, and Management Consulting Services.  Ranked #8 in the country by Business Insurance, ACI's stability and reliability are widely recognized.  For more information visit www.acispecialtybenefits.com.