Communication addiction

The irrepressible need to be in constant contact with other people takes many different forms. While we can sometimes speak of dependence or addiction, it is more correct to speak "simply" of excess. The "symptoms" to be taken into account are, of course, the amount of time devoted to it (if you spend 6 hours a day on it, for example, it becomes exclusive), but also and above all the impact on the person's social and emotional life, on their work and leisure activities, on their self-fulfilment, and finally the way those around them react to it.

A first aspect of communication addiction is the excessive use of chat, gsm and e-mail to belong to a group, a tribe. Constant contact with a group of friends is like an umbilical cord. Communication tools are reassuring: with your cell phone or computer, it's a bit like staying connected to your family and friends. In your bedroom, in front of your computer, your tribe is always just a click away. Anxiety about solitude often betrays a lack of self-confidence. Some people find it increasingly difficult to log off to do other activities; they have a strong need to be in constant contact with someone. When anguish builds at the thought of having to break off contact, the addiction is already well established…

Sometimes, these friends who chat for whole nights (and most of the day) have never met in real life.
Anonymity is the most important feature of chat rooms, discussion lists and forums. In these online conversations, people generally use a pseudonym, a nickname that conceals their identity, but also their age, sex, race, status... Chatters often play with this possibility of changing their identity. With complete impunity, they dare to express opinions and judgments, even going so far as to make aggressive or violent comments. Experimenting with other identities corresponds to a need of young people still in search of their own identity. Presenting themselves in a favorable light, and being accepted and appreciated by the group, considerably boosts their self-esteem.
Of course, this can all be very positive.
Where are the dangers ? 

Some people who express themselves in this way have real-life communication difficulties. The virtual allows them to avoid contact, face-to-face.
If this becomes the only way for them to express themselves, the danger is on an existential level, in their disinvestment in their offline social life, their work, their leisure activities, etc.

What's more, anonymity (and the ability to play with one's real identity) has led some specialists to fear that some more fragile individuals may abandon their real identity in favor of their virtual one(s), or that excessive users may confuse the real with the virtual.

Another aspect of communication addiction is linked to excessive work. We often imagine that it's essential to get hold of information immediately, without delay, for greater efficiency in our work. This creates the obligation to constantly check the latest news in the field, and to check one's e-mail constantly, not to mention the cell phone that's always close at hand. This is how we think we control information.
However, we find that some people who do this are actually trying to escape their feelings of not being up to the job, of not being able to manage.
The illusion of controlling the information needed for the job serves to give ourselves a positive self-image, through the eyes of others.