Word of the week:Infomania
I am a recovering infomanic. For over a decade I checked my email incessantly, with it all coming to a head five years when I worked at a large web agency. I received one too many emails one day demanding my *immediate* attention. Next thing I knew my laptop was bouncing off the wall followed by a mug of coffee. I admit I have been addicted to email, but thankfully not texting which has to be one of the most inefficient communications methods known to man.

It bugs the hell out of me when people start replying to text messages or emails mid conversation. It's so bloody rude. They may as well be honest and say - "shut up you're boring me". It's like when you go round to someones house and they leave the TV on.

It's like the world has caught information ADD. In the process they are actually becoming more stupid. A recent study has shown that constantly checking for messages can lower your IQ by up to 10 points. That's more than twice as much as smoking a spliff. Checking email/MSN/Text while smoking a spliff? Remove any sharp objects from the vicinity.

I admit my hand has been forced so to speak. In over a decade of hardcore PC abuse I've developed a bad case of RSI which has forced me to be more sensible.I physically can't sit at a computer for more than 3 hours a day which has made me work far more efficiently.

So as a recovering Infomaniac, I'd like to propose the 5 step programme:

1. Find the 'Off switch' on your mobile phone
2. Use it. Especially at night.
3. Switch off the automatic send receive on your email.
4. Check your email in the morning and the afternoon. If it's urgent - they can call.
5. Have at least One PC/Mobile free day a week. Sunday is always a good one as no-one expects you to be chained to the PC.