10 Signs You’re a Social Media Addict

Answer these questions carefully (since denial is the first sign): Do you find yourself dreaming about status updates and friend requests? Does your TwitPic account chronicle your trips to the grocery store and cleaners?

Are you addicted to social media?

A new study from Retrevo Gadgetology suggests that more people are becoming obsessed with their online social circles.

Consider these stats from the survey:

• 48% of people check/update Facebook and/or Twitter after they go to bed.
• 55% of people over 25 have to check in on Facebook at least once a day.
• 49% of people under 25 years old can be interrupted by an electronic message during a meal. (27% for people over 25 years of age).

Still undecided if you’re addicted? Here are a 10 additional signs that show you might have a problem (courtesy of me):

1. You speak in sentences of precisely 140 characters or less.

2. You randomly “poke” coworkers on your way to the restroom.

3. A coworker asks: “How was your weekend?” Your first thought: “Gosh, I don’t update Twitter for nothing…“

4. Your LinkedIn profile accomplishments include: “Successfully promoted to level 932 of Mafia Wars,” and “Followed 9,932 Twitter accounts in a 24-hour period with a 92% success rate in follow-backs.”

5. You judge your self-worth on how often you’re retweeted.

6. Fail Whale? You frantically hit refresh 189 times before it reloads successfully. Phew!

7. Ding! You receive a text message. Is it from a friend? Nope. “@JoeShmo123 just sent you a direct message: ‘Hey there, thx for the follow. How can I help YOU grow your business?'” SCORE! One more follower!

8. You update your status while driving. “Just hit a squirrel…I think he’s dead. Yeah, he’s definitely dead. RIP little guy.”

9. You belong to 10 social networks…and spend hours every day crafting the perfect update for each one.

10. You’re holding on to that MySpace or Friendster account, just in case, you know, it gets popular again.