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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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China to Declare 'Internet Addicts' Sick

Fervent web surfers face electro-shock treatments

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(Newser) – China is about to become the first nation in the world to officially declare "internet addiction" a clinical disorder, reports the Guardian. Citizens hooked on the web may face treatment that includes military-style discipline, hypnosis, electro-shock therapy and drugs, reports the Guardian. The totalitarian Chinese authorities have repeatedly attempted to suppress internet use, and the latest move appears to be another means of doing so, observers say.

Staying on the web for more than six hours a day and having negative reactions to not being able to get online are two key symptoms of Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD), according to a new manual expected to be approved by China's health agency. Other signs of the "disorder" are extensive use of gaming, pornography, social networking and auction sites, according to Chinese officials. 

Chinese web surfers at an internet cafe. Chinese authorities are warning that 'internet addiction' is a disorder.
Chinese web surfers at an internet cafe. Chinese authorities are warning that 'internet addiction' is a disorder.   (AP Photo/File)
Chinese youths use computers at an internet cafe in Beijing. China has the world's largest number of internet users in the world%u2014253 million people
Chinese youths use computers at an internet cafe in Beijing. China has the world's largest number of internet users in the world%u2014253 million people   (AP Photo/Greg Baker, File)
A Chinese web surfer plays an online game in Shanghai. China's booming Internet population is the world's biggest, with 253 million users. Now China has recognized 'internet addiction' as a disorder.
A Chinese web surfer plays an online game in Shanghai. China's booming Internet population is the world's biggest, with 253 million users. Now China has recognized 'internet addiction' as a disorder.   (AP Photo/ Eugene Hoshiko, File)
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TerrifiedCitizen
Jun 20, 09 8:33 PM CDT
I HEREBY DECLARE CHINESE FOOD GOOD, BUT COMMIE CHINESE LEADERS SICK. Reply
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