Solutions Research Group has a great report out today on "Disconnect Anxiety," a psychological biproduct of our always on, always connected digital culture. According to their findings, being disconnected gives rise to four main types of worry - safety (can't get help if you need it), work (might miss something important), social (might miss the party), and location (might get lost). 68% of the American public report occasional or elevated incidence of disconnect anxiety and go to great lengths - such as texting on the toilet - to stay in touch at all costs.

One of their more interesting findings is a chart breaking down the types of disconnect anxiety by age group. Millennials age 8-28 tend to do more texting and social networking, and their anxieties are mainly social and navigational. GenX and younger Boomers are understandably more concerned about disconnection from work and personal safety. Interestingly, SRG reports the anxiety is often mixed with relief at the propsect of being off the grid and unreachable. Older survey respondents, who primarily use email and VoIP technologies, report the lowest incidence of Disconnect Anxiety. To the extent they are concerned about being cut off from family and friends if the Blackberry falls in the sink, they seem to take it in stride.