China's young Internet addicts need consistent help from family,
school and society to overcome their problems, according to doctors
and experts at a recent conference in Beijing.
According to the China Internet Network Information Center survey,
the number of young Net addicts has grown from 111 million in
December, 2005 to 162 million in July, 2007.
Internet addiction disorder (IAD), or pathological Internet use
(PIU), refers to a compulsive disorder without addictive
substances, whose symptoms are impairment of an individual's social
and psychological functions because of obsessive Internet use.
Chinese psychologists have increasingly found IAD a major problem
among young Chinese netizens, who ignore their family obligations
and even drop out of school.
According to the China Youth Association for Network Development
(CYAND), the percentage of Internet addicts among young Chinese
netizens in 2007 is 3.48 percent lower than in 2005. CYAND's report
is based on survey results from 11,023 people in 12 major Chinese
cities, and 10,363 netizens. The survey looks at three major
indices, which are IAD, the subject's sociability and the purpose
of Internet use.
According to the report, the extent of Internet addiction is
higher among young male Internet users, those who are jobless, and
among university and vocational college students. More than 20
percent of young Net addicts indicated a breakdown in family
relationships, and in relations with their teachers or fellow
students.
While many young Chinese are addicted to games, or use the chat
rooms, those who are not addicted use the Internet more for
information, to contact friends, or as a tool for study or work.
Both groups were found to be highly interested in entertainment
content, although those addicted showed a high interest in
role-play games and competitive computer games.
Psychiatrist Yang Yongxin from No 4 Hospital in Linyi of
Shandong province, says his IAD treatment center has cured 500
people in the past four years. The center regularly houses more
than 100 young Internet addicts. Treatment involves both medicines
and behavioral correction, similar to that used in military
training for students in Chinese universities.
Yang says the center offers more than 50 therapeutic modes for
both the addicts and their parents, whose presence the doctor
insists upon.
While some other IAD treatment center forbid the treated from
using computers, Yang's program allows surfing the Internet, to
learn of its benefits and harms, as well as its function as a
cultural, entertainment and educational tool.
(China Daily February 20, 2008)
