[AZA43]

I've been reading a lot about BlackBerry or smartphone addiction lately. If there's such a thing, I've got it. But I'm not sure that's so bad.

I guess it has something to do with whether you use your BlackBerry strictly for business or for personal reasons. I can see it becoming an issue if you never stop working--everyone knows that's unhealthy--but I use my RIM device for both work and play. Truth be told, it never leaves my side.

This article talks about BlackBerry addiction and mentions a few initiatives meant to help "addicts" quit their devices, including one that offers travelers hotel upgrades and such for not using their smartphones during stays.

What do you all think? Are you BlackBerry addicts? (If you visit this site or other RIM forums daily, you probably are.) If that a bad thing? Do you think organizations like the one in the above mentioned article should have a right to govern their employees' BlackBerry use?

AZA

[crossbones]

I dont think its an addiction unless its adversley affecting your life. Do you cancel social events and stuff just to play with your blackberry? Have personal relationships suffer? No? then I wouldn't worry.

[tgeekb]

Personally, I am in denial at the moment and refusing rehab. ;)

[ezrunner]

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8800/4.2.1 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/100)

BB addiction nah I can go without but I choose not to!

Who am I kiiding I don't go a day with out it!
They try to send me to rehaaab but I say no no no!

[Baldie]

I do find my self checking my emails constantly throughout the day. Is that an addiction? Maybe I'm just bored at work and at home.

[Dawg]

Id say it's pretty real. I play with it more than I really should.

[Baldie]

If the blackberry had the iphone browser......I would definitely need rehab.

[Seand1111]

I find myself playing with mine when I should be doing other things....like paying attention to the wife while out to dinner, watching a movie i spent money to see, etc.......J/k its not that bad, but I do play with it alot..

[fourstringfuror]

Originally Posted by Baldie

If the blackberry had the iphone browser......I would definitely need rehab.

If the BB had the iPhone browser, I would switch to Treo ;)

[ndub33]

For folks with compulsive personality types (not really disorders, just an inclination to be a little on the obsessive side), I think the addiction aspect is very real. (Speaking from personal experience here).
On the other hand, if it wasn't a Blackberry that captures our attention, it would be something else-and possibly something far more dangerous to ourselves and others.

[SheepDog]

It's a coating that RIM puts on the phones per instructions from the carriers. It seeps into your skin and you are hooked! Older BB's lose potency so we need a newer BB all the time!

[Thatzmister2u]

I prefer to call it:

"Blackberry Enthusiast!"

[ricpac]

Whenever I see someone with a BlackBerry in the mall, I usually go talk to them and we don't mind strangers.

[aiharkness]

Wirelessly posted (8700g: BlackBerry8700/4.2.1 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/100)

Enthusiast . . . Yeah, that's it. Enthusiast.

[GT5L]

Originally Posted by AZA43

I've been reading a lot about BlackBerry or smartphone addiction lately. If there's such a thing, I've got it. But I'm not sure that's so bad.

I guess it has something to do with whether you use your BlackBerry strictly for business or for personal reasons. I can see it becoming an issue if you never stop working--everyone knows that's unhealthy--but I use my RIM device for both work and play. Truth be told, it never leaves my side.

This article talks about BlackBerry addiction and mentions a few initiatives meant to help "addicts" quit their devices, including one that offers travelers hotel upgrades and such for not using their smartphones during stays.

What do you all think? Are you BlackBerry addicts? (If you visit this site or other RIM forums daily, you probably are.) If that a bad thing? Do you think organizations like the one in the above mentioned article should have a right to govern their employees' BlackBerry use?

AZA

You are posting in the BBA (BlackBerry Anonymous) so yes we are all addicts, the first step is admitting, If my blackberry buzzes in the middle of the night I used to get up and check, i just could not resist the urge, now i just turn it off at night.

[SteveO86]

I've has this BlackBerry for about 7 months. Could I live without this..... Yea sure I could but this thing just brings me so much convenience. I don't have to worry about checking my email, I can read it anytime. JiveTalk keeps me connected with all my friends and family. Weather Bug direct gets me the weather when/where I need it, and Ascendo Data Vault has saved a few headaches.

That's just the tip of the iceberg. CrackBerry addict....maybe but this thing just does so much for me. It's all about what this BlackBerry can do for me.

[daphne]

Originally Posted by ndub33

For folks with compulsive personality types (not really disorders, just an inclination to be a little on the obsessive side), I think the addiction aspect is very real. (Speaking from personal experience here).
On the other hand, if it wasn't a Blackberry that captures our attention, it would be something else-and possibly something far more dangerous to ourselves and others.

Agreed. There are far worse things to be addicted to. I was addicted within 30 minutes of first using mine, but I enjoy the addiction. If you want some laughs, go to YouTube and search for crackberry or blackberry addiction. There are some hilarious videos.