Text messaging becomes more addictive & dangerous

How do you define "addictive-behaviour"? Oh, I'm sure you can name many examples. And does goin back several times to PalmAddict weblog is included in one of them? ;-p

I guess it's alright to get addicted as long as it's for good purposes, like getting the latest news on technologies or using it to get in touch with other people. Such as you can see in the picture left there. ~LOL~ Ohkay, I know it's a bad example.

But one of our oldest service in mobile phone: text messaging or known as SMS, has become more common and thus more addictive; resulting in various dangerous results.

According to NewsMax report that Sammy has posted here at PalmAddict, the average cellphone user sent 188 text messages per month, which equals roughly 2,256 texts a year.

Sounds scary isn't it? Then you'll be even more surprise to know that Well Paige Horne, a 15-year-old from Ohio, averages about 15,000 texts a month — that's even more than what the 13-years-old National Texting Champ could send! "I just don't look. I guess I had the phone a long time and I just know where the buttons are and I just hit them," she said. Thankfully for her parents, she's under an unlimited phone plan where texting is included.

If you're planning to take part in the next National Texting competition, or just wish to beat Paige Horne there, then you might want to consider to read these precautions on how to avoid repetitive strain injury (RSI) from sending too many text messages:

• If texting starts to hurt. Stop. Use the other hand or call instead
• Vary the hand you use
• Vary the digits you use
• Don’t text for more than a few minutes without a break

Or just simply wear the thumb-wrist wrapping support accessories, and make yourself looks like a tough looking athlete / sport. ;-D Remember kids, those guys are pro. So don't try this at home without taking precautions, or without your parents watching over you. ~LOL~

Another more dangerous use of text messaging is while you're behind the wheel, and pushing your car's gas pedal carelessly because of you're on fire texting with your mobile phone. So that's why on July 1st, California will ban unlimited cellphone use by drivers. The law prohibits drivers under 18 from talking on the phone, and it requires older drivers to use a hands-free headset. And this includes text messaging while driving.

USA TODAY asked insurance and driving experts to explain the new restrictions. These are what we learned:

• Research on texting and dialing is still in the early stage. In general, "it's dangerous" to do anything distracting while driving, Adkins says.
• California has launched a media blitz about its new law, for example. But it hasn't specifically asked rental car agencies to warn out-of-state renters, says Jan Mendoza, spokeswoman for the California Department of Motor Vehicles. To play it safe, stay off the phone no matter where you are.
• In California, the base fine ranges from $20 to $50 — and it can triple if certain penalties are applied. In Washington, fines start at $124.
• The electronics-maker builds hands-free systems for cars that range from about $150 to more than $1,000. Sales rose after New York passed cellphone driving restrictions, and the company expects a similar boost in California. In response, Pioneer is broadening its product offerings.
• Hawaii and Massachusetts are among the states considering new restrictions.

Now, don't you think it's time to put-off your addiction on text messaging? ;-)

Sources are from GeekSugar, USA Today (via Switched) & Ergonomic Times.

[blogged with my Treo 750v]