Information Deprivation Disorder

People at Work and Play – by Prem Rao

This day had to come! The way people, especially youngsters, are hooked to their mobiles and internet,  the findings of researchers after an international study are not at all surprising. A research team from the University of Maryland found these people could be afflicted with Information Deprivation Disorder. The team found that volunteers who were made to stay away from their cell phones and internet for 24 hours, showed pretty much the same symptoms of deprivation as those who try to quit smoking would. In short, this too, is a huge addiction. I have seen people crossing busy city roads totally immersed in their texting, quite oblivious to the chaos around them!  

Quitting smoking or giving up on drugs is a difficult process where you have to recalibrate your mind and body to do without the stimulus that you were getting from the substance. It seems to be true too with the thirst for information and the need to be updated. You crave to know what is going on- with your friends and in your world.

I would argue that Information Deprivation Disorder is not restricted to the young. With the higher degree of mobility these days, I won’t at all be surprised to find that many older people too feel these pangs. When was the last time, for instance, you checked for a text message, a Facebook status update or a tweet?

People at Work and Play

2 thoughts on “Information Deprivation Disorder

  1. Coming to a DSM near you:

    Internet addiction? Blame it on Information Deprivation Disorder …
    https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/the-hot-button/internet-addiction-blame-it-on-information-deprivation-disorder/article610558/ Proxy Highlight
    Jan 4, 2011 … Does a day without the web give you the shakes? You may be suffering from a condition scientists are calling Information Deprivation Disorder.

    Facebook generation suffer information withdrawal syndrome …
    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/8235302/Facebook-generation-suffer-information-withdrawal-syndrome.html Proxy Highlight
    Jan 2, 2011 … The condition is now being described as Information Deprivation Disorder. Dr Roman Gerodimos, a lecturer in communication who led the UK section of the international study, said: “We were not just seeing psychological symptoms, but also physical symptoms.” The findings will fuel concerns raised by …

    Information Withdrawal Syndrome | Big Think
    http://www.bigthink.com/ideafeed/information-withdrawal-syndrome Proxy Highlight

    Some of those taking part said they felt like they were undergoing “cold turkey” to break a hard drug habit, while others said it felt like going on a diet. The condition is now being described as Information Deprivation Disorder. Dr Roman Gerodimos, a lecturer in communication who led the UK section of the international study …

    How we suffer withdrawal symptoms like drug addicts if we’re kept …
    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1344723/How-suffer-withdrawal-symptoms-like-drug-addicts-kept-away-tech-gadgets.html Proxy Highlight

    Jan 7, 2011 … The condition is now being described as Information Deprivation Disorder. Dr Roman Gerodimos, a lecturer in communication at Bournemouth University, led the UK section of the international study. He told the Daily Telegraph: ‘We were not just seeing psychological symptoms, but also physical symptoms …

    Five signs you’re a tech addict – Rappler
    https://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/24923-five-signs-tech-addiction Proxy Highlight

    Mar 27, 2013 … The condition is now called Information Deprivation Disorder. If you feel anxious and restless when you can’t access your phone, take note of your feelings and find a way to cope with your withdrawal. Take a walk in a park, paint, write, do breathing exercises or indulge in an activity that relaxes you.

    The Surprising Lie About Motivation ? | dansteer
    https://dansteer.wordpress.com/2013/03/07/the-surprising-lie-about-motivation/ Proxy Highlight

    Mar 7, 2013 … Addicted to their iPhone (laptop, iPad) and mobile internet-based you-can-work- anywhere-anytime work ethic, they work in their “free time” to avoid Information Deprivation Disorder. And many “engaged” American white collar (no collar?) workers today work far more than they ever did before: The amount …

    New Studies Compare Smartphones to Cocaine Addiction | Elements
    https://www.elementsbehavioralhealth.com/addiction/new-studies-compare-smartphones-cocaine-addiction/ Proxy Highlight

    Jul 17, 2017 … … drug habit or going on a strict diet. This condition has been described by experts as Information Deprivation Disorder. Other studies and surveys confirm that Information Deprivation Disorder, or technology addiction, causes neurological complications, psychological disturbances and social problems.

    Today’s generation can’t live without mobiles, emails: Study …
    https://gadgets.ndtv.com/mobiles/news/todays-generation-cant-live-without-mobiles-emails-study-226887 Proxy Highlight

    Jun 5, 2012 … The condition is now being described as Information Deprivation Disorder. “We were not just seeing psychological symptoms, but also physical symptoms,” ‘The Daily Telegraph’ quoted Dr Roman Gerodimos, a lecturer in communication who led the UK section of the international study, as saying. In fact, in …

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