IMBO Magazine Nov. 2014 | Page 69

Activities such as online gaming, social media and shopping are said to be some of the main causes. [On other news: South Africa’s internet usage is measured at 0.85%.] In China, the cost of treatment ranges from $1,000 to $14,500 - with the period of rehabilitation varying between 30 and 90 days. The rehab centers take on a militaristic approach; their patients are admitted to institutes operated by people with little to no training in health care. Some of the centers function like drug rehabs – there are group or family sessions, all trying to encourage social interactions. The journey towards recovery involves taking part in daily exercise and therapy, while sometimes receiving prescribed medication. So far, at least two deaths have been reported. T he new drug spreading throughout the world is – internet. Yep. Some of us don’t get enough satisfaction from just looking up a word or watching a cool clip.But it gets scary when you learn that a lack of browsing, blogging or posting can actually arouse serious withdrawal symptoms for webaddicts. And even more frightening when you realize that these symptoms – restlessness, aggression and uncooperativeness – are similar to those experienced by drug addicts craving a fix. The idea of “Internet addiction” has always been a looming issue. In 2008, China felt the need to take the first step and address the problem by implementing rehabilitation systems. And as projected, more centers continue to pop up throughout the entire country. When you consider the fact that China has the highest internet usage in the world (21.3%), this should come as no surprise. Because of the limitless nature of the internet, fantasy is preferred over reality. Author Joanne Black insists; “we have become so organized around technology that we have almost forgotten what it’s like to talk to people”. With this in mind, it certainly seems like many of us have become so distracted that we can’t be bothered with the world around us. To elaborate on the severity of this new form of addiction, Nassim Nicholas Taleb writes; “The difference between technology and slavery is that slaves are fully aware that they are not free”. The Internet, if not used carefully, can have a hold on us from which we cannot easily be emancipated. It’s great to collaborate online for a good cause but, as we have seen, having a one-on-one discussion provides us with greater insights and the potential for successful collaboration. In the end, where do you draw the line when it comes to switching off that screen? [How much effort does it take to tear yourself away from the fantasy/reality of the Internet?]. And then ask yourself this: Wouldn’t it be better to experience life by participating physically and whole-heartedly with other people? By Karabo Motsoai 69 IMBO/ ISSUE 31/ '14