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
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IMBO/ ISSUE 31/ '14