ELECTRONIC GIZMOS, NOW THERE'S A SURPRISE.

Followers of these columns will be aware that we have suggested, that the age of instant communications appears only to have made the western world go bust; or are there other disadvantages in some of these implements which, for many, are nothing more than gimmicks. We have made it clear, that had these instruments of online information been available to Hitler and Goebbels, post second world war could have been very different. Why? Because too many people are obsessed by anything that is available to them in a kind of magical format, whether it be true or false. In fact, these folk would argue that the truth is a matter of opinion; anything to defend their corner.

Well! It would seem that some eminent psychologists have discovered major side effects from the compulsion by users; youngsters, in particular, are developing disorder problems. Every few minutes they have the need to check whether or not they have received a text, or that they can probably solve any query that may be confronting them. Dr. Larry Rosen, American Professor of Psychology, is convinced that disturbing things are happening to the minds of the obsessive users. Likewise, Dr. Michael Sinclair, Clinical Director of the City Psychology Group in London, talks of the stress that this new element in our life style is causing.

We can't say that these instruments of reaching out are totally bad. You wouldn't be reading this if the world wide web were not available to us, and in many cases, brings considerable information to the user. However, is this a new form of drug to be abused?

AND IS IT CLASS 'A'?