Technology itself is the latest addiction. The complication created by technology addiction is the difficulty one has in sorting out what is necessary, what is utilitarian, what is convenience, what is entertainment, and when the line is crossed into addiction.

Being technologically savvy can affect your ability to communicate, to get a job, to keep a job, to be socially acceptable, and to complete your education. An additional complication created by technology is the development of a whole new language and vocabulary. Anyone who can't speak “technologese” can quickly feel isolated in society.

So how does someone know if he's crossed the line from being technologically on top of things to addiction? Here are some clues:

• He becomes incapable of managing his time on the computer, the BlackBerry, the iPod, and so forth.

• He has a feeling of euphoria while using his technological device of choice.

• He begins lying to family, friends, or his employer about the time spent on technological devices.

• He abandons real-life hobbies, social interactions, and productive pursuits in order to spend more time with his technological addictions.

• He develops health issues relating to technology addiction: carpal tunnel syndrome, eyestrain, dry eyes, migraines, poor personal hygiene, sleep disorders, weight gain, and backaches.

• He becomes irritable, angry, or upset if interrupted while involved with his technological devices.

• He feels guilt and shame over spending more time with technology than his family and friends.

• He decides to cut down on technology use, tries, but repeatedly fails.

• He will begin to crave more and more time with his technology “substance” and become frustrated if his time is denied.

Many of these signs and symptoms of technology addiction are familiar variations on the signs of other addictions. Again, the common theme is loss of control and negative consequences in one's life as a result of the addiction.

The Dangers of Technology Addiction

Technology addiction can lead to other dangerous consequences. The speed with which technology moves makes everything available within seconds or less. This promotes a desire for instant gratification. Everything seems to be marked “urgent” and the expectation is that the request will be immediately granted.

Sleep disorders can develop as a person stays up all hours of the night to play video games, answer e-mails, instant-message with friends, or download music. Weight gain and other complications of a sedentary lifestyle such as cardiovascular disease may result. Learning and practicing social skills with live people may suffer, especially in the case of children and teens who spend an inordinate amount of time in front of the television or computer.

Technology addictions may also give someone a false sense of relational security as he communicates with individuals around the world whom he will never meet in person.

Dependency is created, and when the technological substance of choice is removed or denied, withdrawal symptoms ensue. Frustration, anxiety, anger, and fear are common symptoms of withdrawal from technology.

It's the Latest!

Some individuals may become as obsessed with obtaining the latest in technology as with using it. It becomes a status symbol, and long lines may form with people waiting for hours in inclement weather just to be the first through the door as sales of the newest device begin.

Of course, advertising around the latest in technology is huge and geared to trigger even the mildest inclination toward addiction into a full-scale purchasing frenzy. For a true technology addict, this spells danger. It is quite easy to lose control of good judgment, and debt can mount to compound the problem of addiction. The latest in technology always means top-dollar prices.