It can be safely said that when that point is reached, the human species will have other things to worry about. Until then, though, each advance in communications technology will doubtless firstly be welcomed with open arms before bringing a predictable gnashing of teeth and predictions of the end of civilisation as we know it.
It was not long ago society convulsed with worries about teenagers and their texting.
Many parents have justifiable concerns in this area and in the use of social media, but now, with the advent of phones which can easily access email, the focus has shifted to adults.
Email is hardly a new development and its use in the workplace has already been through rounds of scrutiny in studies of whether it enhances or hinders productivity. The jury seems to be out on that, but needless to say most workers would scream in horror at the thought of returning to the days of faxes and paper memos.
What is beginning to raise concerns, though, is that rather than shutting off access to work emails when they turn off their workplace computer, a rising proportion of workers is choosing to continue to access work communications outside their paid hours. A recent survey found 36% of New Zealanders chose to read work emails even while on holiday. Until the advent of smartphones this would have involved lugging a laptop to the beach or hitting the nearest internet cafe. But with an email-enabled device in your pocket, it is now a breeze to sit in your deck-chair and access your inbox at all times of the day and night - and at most points on the globe.
The desire to stay in touch even when on holiday is understandable for senior managers or the self-employed. Keeping up to speed in a fast-moving world can be the difference between success and failure and five minutes checking email seems a small price to pay. But most of us could not argue this is the case, so other factors must be at play.
Commentators have pointed to the less-than-stellar economy and anxiety over job security as contributing to a fear of being out of touch for too long. Common sense says there must be some truth in this. For some workers, being in constant contact can add to sense of validation and give reassurance that they are an integral cog in the machine. This is a double-edged sword, with many employers doubtless welcoming such dedication in principle while also being aware that a lack of downtime can lead to stale, tired workers.
The wider issue is that connectivity itself is clearly seductive in its own right. Although care must be taken in throwing around terms like addiction, a radio presenter recently confessed on television to setting her alarm for 2am and 4am so she could wake up and interact with a game on her phone. Sound like anyone you know?
A quick test of the addictive power of this technology would be to try to take away the smartphone of any individual who is a heavy user and has grown accustomed to having the world in the palm of their hand. Chances are you would elicit a reaction in the same ballpark as that displayed by a toddler about to have their favourite toy wrenched from their hands.
As with all new technology, it is clear people will have to learn to adapt to using these devices without damaging other areas of their lives. What does set alarms bells ringing among psychologists is the potential impact on the work-life balance of constantly being in a virtual space and never fully leaving the office behind.
Experts suggest those hooked on smartphones agree to set rules around their use outside work hours before family life and important relationships are at risk of being eroded. This would seem eminently sensible, if for some at least difficult to stick to. Small steps and careful negotiation may be required.
