The Podcast Asylum

Adjunct professor Heidi Miller (left) discovered Social Media Stupor Syndrome in June of 2007. She describes the warning signs as follows:

• Shaking, fear and trembling before clicking to Google Reader, My Yahoo! or NewsGator
• A full iPod, but constant occasions to “forget” headphones to “catch up” on podcast listening
• Adding people you don’t know to your Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook or MySpace accounts
• More than four email addresses, just to keep up with the comments from your blogs and podcasts

Although Social Media Stupor Syndrome can be treated successfully, we advise precautionary measures to prevent contracting it. Restrict your podcast listening to the shows you really love. Make sure to spend time each day away from your computer and other gadgets. Examine every social network you belong to and ask yourself whether the benefit you get repays the time you have to spend.

Of course, if you are already deep in the throes of this disease, we at the Asylum will be glad to help you. A week spent in the glorious Adelaide hills enjoying the ministrations of dusky handmaidens and muscular masseurs, far from anything with a screen, will leave you refreshed and restore your perspective.