Can Technology Overload Ruin Your Relationship?

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and shutting down your gizmos to spend time with loved ones might be the best gift you can give them. I think most of us have been guilty of spending more time online than with friends or family, but can this behavior be a sign of a bigger problem?

According to John O'Neill, the director of addictions services at the Texas-based Menninger Clinic, people who have an unhealthy relationship with technology tend to exhibit addiction-like behavior towards their gadgets or Web use, and may be suffering from "technology overload." He says those who become overloaded by technology end up having relationship troubles as a consequence. Apparently other psychologists agree, and have classified technology addiction as an impulse disorder that can be socially damaging, much like alcoholism, gambling and drug abuse.

So when does being too wired become an addiction? According to the experts, you've been overloaded by technology when:

• You use text messages, email, and voice mail to avoid face-to-face interaction
• You spend more time checking email, talking on the phone, or surfing the web than with friends
• You pay more attention to gadgets than what is happening in real life
• You can't be without a cell phone, or relax without constantly checking email or using the Internet

Sadly, I think most of us can put a check mark next to at least one, if not all, those warning signs. Personally, I avoid face-to-face interaction most of the time because it's easier to send an instant message. I don't think I'm an addict yet, because I do unplug completely on weekends (and enjoy it), but I do feel overloaded by technology most of the time. I believe each one of us should set some boundaries when it begins to affect those around us. Remember, it's all about finding the right balance in your life. I may depend on technology to get my work done, but family always comes first.

What do you think about all this technology overload talk? Do you feel overloaded?

"Technology Overload" Can Ruin Relationships: Expert

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