Crackberry Craze Sweeps The Nation

Addiction to gadgets such as BlackBerrys and iPhones could be seriously damaging the nation's health.

Shock figures today released by computer support company The PC Support Group has found that 63% of people keep their BlackBerrys on when on holiday, while a whopping 90% admit not switching off hand held email devices at evenings or weekends.

While BlackBerry technology has revolutionised our working lives, including even new President Barack Obama's, experts are warning that Crackberry addiction - as it has become commonly known - could lead to serious health problems.

Psychologist Cary Cooper said: "Rather than this new technology being a support system, it is now managing us. We feel we need to be technically connected at all times.

"Because of current job insecurities throughout the country, users are dependent on them more than ever. If people continue this dependence these handheld devices will disrupt their lives and affect their health, as they are not getting the respite they need." Phil Bird, co-founder and director of The PC Support Group, said: "BlackBerrys and similar devices are invaluable tools for today's working environment, saving time while you are out of the office. But they can intrude into people's personal lives if they are not managed correctly."

The 'Crackberry' phenomenon is similar to any other addiction and can be compared to an alcoholic unable to pass a pub without going in for a drink. Sufferers can experience denial, withdrawal and even display symptoms of anti-social behaviour.

Prof Cooper, professor of organisational psychology and health at Lancaster University, added: "It is no different to any other form of addiction." The research found users can quickly become hooked on the devices, with 63% saying they could not live without their BlackBerry and 47% admitting to spending more than eight hours a week checking emails or surfing the internet.

Many people don't even realise that you can temporarily turn off the email function while keeping the phone on.

Phil added: "Once you know how, this is a relatively straight forward process. People should consider using this feature at weekends and holidays so the machines don't take over their lives".