The Crackberry

While reading up on some Blackberry articles, I read that the term "Crackberry" had become so common, that Webster's New World College Dictionary named it the 2006 Word-Of-The-Year. While this isn't exactly the Oxford English Dictionary, it demonstrates the concept of the users becoming extremely dependent on the devices has become widespread in our society.

As the Blackberry device and software provides in all-in-one mobile experience, it has become an invaluable tool for many users. Being connected at all times through a phone is something that many people are used to, but the Blackberry introduced a constant connection to email and the internet. This had obvious uses to the corporate world, allowing employees to be constantly connected to their job. This "always-on" connection developed into an unhealthy obsession for some.

As a term like Crackberry becomes part of our everyday use, it seems that we are trying to lay fault with the device, rather than the people who use them. Before mobile devices were widely available, many people worked long hours in an office. What the Blackberry changed is where people can spend their time working. I believe there will always be individuals willing to sacrifice personal time and sleep (I'm definitely not one to give up sleep for my job haha) whether they can stay connected to work through a PDA device or not.

While a word like "Crackberry" connotes drug-like attributes, I view the device as more of of an enabler to people's communication "addiction," rather than the drug itself. Addictive properties aside, people do make the choice of purchasing and doing drugs, or choosing to eat unhealthy foods, just as people can choose to turn off their Blackberry.

A unique argument that can be raised about the Blackberry is the other influences a user has which affect their ability to turn off their device. Something I would like to explore in another blog post is how the Blackberry being a corporate tool affects users in their choice of powering down.

Personally, I do keep my Blackberry powered on, with me at all times. However, when I hear the familiar buzz of an incoming email or message emanating from my bedside table at night, I'm more apt to make a choice and turn over and go back to sleep. :)