Sky News Article on Technology Addiction

With the rise in popularity of social networking and Smart Phones, people are feeling the need to be connected to the Internet at all times. I spoke to Sky News about my recent study on the effects of “Information Overload”, a phenomenon where people feel the need to be constantly connected, whether by mobile phone or home computer. As more people begin using Smart Phones – phones that have functionality to utilise the Internet and send messages – the number of people suffering from “Information Overload” will increase along with it.

This addiction to technology and the Internet often comes at the expense of one’s health and social life. People who are constantly switched on will likely see a negative impact on their overall productivity, even with tasks that they would consider to be routine. In speaking with Sky, I explained that individuals who are in “Information Overload” often shun others around them, including family. They tend to feel lethargic and possibly have trouble getting out of bed, feeling that they can no longer be asked to do anything for anyone due to lethargy. Another effect of this disorder is increased anxiety and potentially depression.

In the study it was revealed that one-third of our sample suffered from some form of technological addiction. People who suffer from Information Overload will often feel that they need to connect as soon as they wake up in the morning, starting their day by checking their e-mail or various other online presences every few minutes throughout the day.