A new study in the UK today talks about the power of Blackberry’s always connected/always on feature. I’m not going to name names here (Andy), but I think myself and a few friends are on this virtual drug. Here’s a clip of the story from The Daily Mail:

Blackberry email devices can be so addictive that owners (Andy) may need to be weaned off them with treatment similar to that given to drug users (Andy), experts warned today.

They said the palmtop gadgets, which have been nicknamed ‘crackberries’ because users (Andy) quickly become hooked on them, could be seriously damaging to mental health (Andy).

The study, carried out by New Jersey’s Rutgers University School, claims the Blackberry is fuelling a rise in email and internet addiction (Andy), with sufferers able to survive only a few minutes without checking for new mail (Andy). One key sign of a user (Andy) being addicted is if they focus on their Blackberry ignoring those around them (Andy).

JG