There are four new notifications on Facebook. Sixteen more people are now following Twitter. A text message comes, so surfing the Internet is paused for a moment to check that as well.
Technology, some argue, is more than simply a way to stay connected and find information. It can become addictive.
Shanna Lockwood, graduate student in technical and professional communication, got an iPhone two weeks ago and quickly became addicted.
"At any given time or place, I can peruse Facebook, check my TigerMail or use the GPS feature with Google Maps to get where I want to go," Lockwood said. "Information is immediate and easily accessible, and I find that addictive."
Several Auburn students said they feel they are somewhat addicted to technology, but didn't think their technology addiction is out of control.
Students expressed concerns with face-to-face communication issues and wasting time, but didn't feel they were in any danger because of the extent of their technology use.
Lockwood said she is concerned with the expectations technology places on people to stay constantly connected and responsive to people's constant technological advances.
"If we call or send a text to someone, the response we anticipate is immediate," Lockwood said. "This can be harmful, as a delay in response is often taken as a conscious decision by the other party to ignore the person calling or texting."
Elizabeth Wright, junior in elementary education, said Facebook is addictive and can be a waste of time.
"It's like we get on and all of a sudden it's 9 p.m., and nothing productive has been done all day," Wright said.
Megan Thompson, freshman in pre-nursing, said she prefers face-to-face communication, and doesn't feel she is addicted to technology.
"I would much rather talk to people in person," Thompson said. "Communication via a screen makes you miss out on a lot."
The term addiction is used loosely when referring to devoting numerous hours to the computer, cell phones, video games and televison.
However, true technology addiction is possible and has been a major problem in several countries around the world.
Research in South Korea and China suggests addiction to technologies such as e-mails, Internet, computer games, cyber sex and cell phones is real, said Raj Mohan, sociology professor at Auburn.
A healthy balance between obsession and convenience is difficult to find.
Mohan said research also suggests that people who are prone to technology addictions are more likely to have other psychiatric or psychological disorders.
"Technology addiction becomes a vehicle for fulfillment for what they lack in their everyday existence," Mohan said. "Technology, by its very nature, is obsessive."
Mohan also said younger people are more prone to technology addiction, but no one is immune from becoming addicted.
Although most students probably do not have severe technology addictions, there are many in the current college generation who are dependent and somewhat obsessed with technology, including Internet connection sites and cell phones.
Many experts fear face-to-face communication skills will steadily decline as the use of technology increases.
"In the long term, I do fear our connections with others will turn from the conversational to the digital," Lockwood said.
Mohan said society is adjusting to these new ways of communicating.
"Current technologies ask for different skills for communication, and for the most part we have and are adjusting to these technological demands," Mohan said.
There are benefits and risks associated with technology use, and each person must remain aware of both.
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