Are You Tech Addicted?

A new study shows that up to one-third of us could be addicted to those devices that keep us in touch.

Do you check your phone regularly, or keep your PDA or BlackBerry close to you at all times? If the answer is yes, have you ever wondered if you’re atech addict?                          A new study from Northampton University has revealed that up to one-third of us might be addicted to the technology that keeps us in touch with other people,the BBC reports. Some will even get up in the night to check their e-mail, while others keep their BlackBerrys by their bed…just in case.   Admittedly, the study was small, taking in just360 people, but it was enough to worry Professor Nada Kakabadse.   "Technology has become much more interesting over the past 10 years with the internet and everything. It is much simplerand much more portable which makes it more accessible. Those who are addicted will get up in the middle of the night and pick up messages on their PDAs two or three times a night."   Likeany addiction, this one has its problems, changing the normal relationships of addicts with families and friends. It can even have an adverse effect at work. Prof. Kakabadse, suggested. Even thoughan addict will initially be extra-productive, quickly returning mails and messages, after a while the need to be constantly checking messages can lead to trouble at work.