Over the last decade TDS (Technology Dependency Syndrome) has ravaged organizations, corporations, charities and individuals without respect or regard to status, education or level of tech-adoption. It appears to be an equal opportunity syndrome that strikes when there are hints of complacency, tech-apathy and a general comfort level and acceptance of existing technologies.

What is TDS? The facts and causes are still being speculated by Silicon Valley consultants. The factors and variables involved with each reported case are countless and unique to the culture or mindset of those afflicted. Previous speculation of its root causes such as inherited DNA traits or restroom hygiene have been eliminated recently in the light of new findings.

Recent reports suggest that this is a lifestyle or behaviorial syndrome. It appears that the more dependent one is on technology - the greater the risk of contracting the syndrome. The reports further suggest that once contracted, the amount of complications mirror the length of time that an organization or individual has been dependent on technology to carry out common functions.

Symptoms of the syndrome include exaggerated gesticulation, manic swings in emotions, increased stress levels, violent outburst or strikes to networked peripherals. The final stages of the syndrome are signaled by extreme dips in productivity and an incoherent mumbling combined with a lifeless stare.

In an effort to educate our readers, we’ve developed this video to provide an example of TDS’s alarming impact

A special thanks to www.becel.ca for providing the video. 

How can you be prepared? Experts suggest having a back-up plan as the first line of defense. Every organization and individual should create a list of well defined procedures that can be implemented should TDS strike. Depending upon the situation, the procedures could outline the steps needed to return to the use of a previous technology, and could include the steps for being cross-trained on multiple methods and technologies for all work-flow. Additionally, having a technology hotline or emergency response mechanism in place can help to speed recovery.

New findings are suggesting that there might be a mutant strand of DNS already at work. Preliminary evidence is pointing to a complete incompacitation that takes place not as a result of dependency, but as a result of being overwhelmend by the thought of implementing technology into one’s daily behaviors or lifestyle.

Please stay tuned to this blog as new findings will be shared as they make their way to our press-room. In the meantime we have lauched a grass-roots effort to collect eyewitness reports of TDS and its effects. If you or someone you know suffers from this debilitating syndrome, please forward your comments and reports on to us.

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