Mediacology

Graphic via textually.org

I’ve noticed an increasing pop culture awareness that we are addicted to our networked technology gadgets– a no, duh kinda revelation– but I was quite surprised (well, not really, it was inevitable) to see it pathologized with a new term, “Disconnection Anxiety.” I think the term sums up our entire planetary situation, actually, and it began long before the Internet. You could say that a system predicated on objectifying nature and reifying existence produces the ultimate disconnect anxiety, and that’s why you see so many drug ads on TV these days. Social Distress Disorder, Disconnect Anxiety… these are just other names for alienation, or the pain we feel from becoming aliens on our own planet.

I just hope a good dose of mindfulness is in the offing instead of a handful of pills.
textually.org: 68% of Americans feel “disconnect anxiety”:

According to a recent study from Solutions Research Group, 27% of Americans feel “acute” anxiety when disconnected from the Internet or their mobiles; 68% feel some level of anxiety.

“This goes for both mobile and computer connections. More than 80% of those surveyed reported that their mobiles are always with them and always on. Nearly 40% report logging on to the Internet via their computers while in bed and more than 60% admitted to using their Blackberry’s in the washroom.

American’s are logging on for safety, work and social life and for navigation according to the report. Many users report that they feel safer when connected via mobile or computer and many say they need constant connections because of a hectic work or social life.