15 Signs that Technology is Damaging Your Personal Life

We text instead of call; tweet instead of talk; Facebook stalk instead of reach out to old friends. Even online dating services seem to have reinvented how people fall in love. And technology has created a whole new code of manners, making something as rude as texting throughout a restaurant meal acceptable and commonplace. But does that make it OK? Our office is debating the question: Is technology interrupting, or even replacing, your opportunities for real intimacy? If you are not sure, check out these top signs that you need to take a break from even the coolest technological devices: The last time you talked to your mom was via a Facebook wall post. You get more excited about the latest gadgets than a kid does about Disneyland. Instead of going out, you stay home and play Wii. You found out your boyfriend or girlfriend was cheating on you because you checked his or her phone. (Check out the most stylish iPhone cases). Days pass without accomplishing nearly as much as you used to, but you have got one heck of a farm going on Farmville! You see nothing wrong with responding to a text in the middle of a romantic dinner. You flirt more via text than in person. You know the answers to all of your dates get-to-know-you questions because you have studied his (or her) Facebook and Twitter profiles. You have at least three email accounts and check them daily. You Instant Message your roommate or partner when you are both at home. You walk to the beat of your own drum, but only because you always have your headphones on and turned up to blast. Thanks to your DVR,catching up on the latest TV shows and movies has replaced catching up on you and your significant other's days. (Check out amazing products inspired by hit shows, like Gossip Girl, Project Runway, Grey's Anatomy, Glee and The Office.) A cool new phone app stops you in your tracks no matter what you are doing. The most intimate sentiments between you and that special someone are usually sent via text or email. Winks, pokes, and nudges are now only the virtual kind.