To clear the air before I start, be aware that the following is based on my own experiences. I didn't scour literature for factual data or base this post on scientific studies. With that said...

Most people associate addiction to activities such as smoking or recreational drugs. What you probably don't hear too much about are people who are addicted to technology. Like many tech geeks, I have a house full of TVs, computers, video game consoles and various electronic knickknacks. Loving technology can get very expensive indeed.

Now the question is, do I really need all these gadgets? I do use the majority of my purchases but it's a matter of want versus need. In my case, it's probably safe to say that many technology related items I own are a result of a want. More so, this want is usually to do with having the newest toy on the block. And this is the curse within. Technology is forever advancing so it will get to a point where one will have to find a balance lest your purchases spiral out of control into the abyss of financial debt.

Technology has also spawned an offshoot that most of us are familiar with. Have the need to constantly tweet on Twitter or update your status on Facebook? Now we can all carry Internet addiction right in our pockets. I certainly can't live without my BlackBerry. It's my social portal on the go and I feel disconnected if I forget it at home. Let's not forget Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPG) such as World of WarCraft. For a good couple years, my computer and the basement were my closest friends. Definitely not healthy.

While Alcoholics Anonymous doesn't have a technology related counterpart, it's interesting to see how this is impacting society, frightening or not. Our civilization isn't going to escape computerization and it would be foolish not to embrace it otherwise risk being left behind. Fortunately, most addictions can be cured with attaining a certain level of practiced willpower. Again, moderation is key.

I will admit, I can do better. I don't really need a TV in the bedroom. I don't really need to have a Xbox 360 hooked up to each TV. I don't really need to upgrade the video card in my PC. I don't really need to have every Nintendo DS hardware iteration. And I certainly don't need to get a new smartphone every year. As part my new year regiment, I'm going to promise improved self control in 2010. Hopefully.