Addicted To Tech
MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Smart phones, tablets, laptops - with so much technology at our fingertips it's sometimes difficult to set it aside.
Some of your family or friends may seem even addicted to tech.
"I do email, I do messaging, I have an iPhone, I used to have three iPads," said Michael Oliver who admits he loves his tech.
"Every kid from the age of three years old, there on that iPhone playing every kind of game in the world and doing all kinds of things," said Ronald Gould.
That was certainly true at the McGoldrick house.
"Once I get home, I'm just like either on the computer or iPad and like just have fun because school stresses me out so much," said 10-year old Addie McGoldrick.
In fact, it's not uncommon to find the whole family staring at screens. Addie's little sister Sylvia with a movie on the laptop, their mom on a notebook, their dad on the phone.
"Like if someone texted me at 1 o'clock in the morning, I'll wake up and answer it," said Addie.
Psychologists say that constant attachment to all these devices comes as a cost. They feel that a deep, qualitative connection between people is sacrificed when there's that sense of immediacy that technology brings into the situation.
Signs of addiction or dependency include spending a disproportionate amount of time on you cell phone, tablet or computer.
Doctors suggest if your family is like the McGoldricks, carve out some time by piling up the devices and setting them aside so you can spend some real 'face time' together.
Other suggestions include wearing a watch, so you're not dependent on using a cell phone to tell time, and don't use a gadget to pass the time at every opportunity. Experts say it's okay to be bored sometimes. Also, disable notifications; not every email or text needs a reply right away.