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China Sends 'Internet Addicts' to Boot Camp

By Drew Nelles,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 5, 2009 5:46 PM CDT

(Newser) – Chinese families are unplugging Internet-addicted loved ones and shipping them off to boot camps, Radio Free Netherlands reports. The Internet Rehabilitation Centre of the People’s Liberation Army, which houses some 50 patients, is one of thousands of online addiction clinics around the country. "They don't only have psychological problems, but also a bad lifestyle," says founder Tao Ran.

Ran blames China's one-child policy for the nation's estimated 4 to 10 million Internet addicts, saying only children face too much pressure. "Many parents criticize their child," he says. "But this affects the self-esteem, which can lead to addiction." At $1,200, his camp costs four times the average Beijing income per month—but people keep coming. “Traditionally, parents believe that the army will help their children become helpful and social."

This Chinese school's computer lab is provided for teachers to guide the minors to surf the internet for free during the weekend in a bid to prevent them from addiction to the internet.
This Chinese school's computer lab is provided for teachers to guide the minors to surf the internet for free during the weekend in a bid to prevent them from addiction to the internet.   (AP Photo/Xinhua, Sun Zhongzhe)
A young Chinese internet addict receives an electroencephalogram check at the Beijing Military Region Central Hospital July 6, 2005 in Beijing, China.
A young Chinese internet addict receives an electroencephalogram check at the Beijing Military Region Central Hospital July 6, 2005 in Beijing, China.   (Getty Images)
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They don’t only have psychological problems, but also a bad lifestyle. Often they don’t wash themselves; they just sit at their computer.
- Professor Tao Ran

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
Snarfeh
Jul 6, 2009 6:36 AM CDT
I don't agree with the term "internet addiction"...I get news, email, TV & movies from the internet now. I use StumbleUpon to find some of the most amazing sites with great information to broaden my knowledge. I cooked something today for my loved ones from a recipe I found while Stumbling. I play a little online poker for entertainment sometimes. I look up medical information. I read comments here & elsewhere & participate in lively discussions regarding relevant events. The internet is a tool for learning, entertainment, making money, staying informed & so much more that it is only natural that people spend more & more time on it. All of the above does not mean I don't get out & it also does not mean I don't read a LOT of books (bought 5 new books in the past 2 weeks). I am currently reading a book about quantum physics & cosmology by Michio Kaku called "Parallel Worlds." However, when I am home & not reading a book, not working in my yard or my shop, I am probably reading something online, recording music online, watching a movie or favorite program, etc., etc. People who play WOW are addicted to WOW, not the internet. The internet just happens to be the venue in which the game resides. Television, in & of itself, has been a far worse addiction than the internet has ever been. TV is also not interactive or is only to a point. I don't even own a TV anymore. I do not consider the internet an addiction; I consider it an extremely valuable tool & resource of knowledge.
2-bits
Jul 6, 2009 2:15 AM CDT
Oh man. I won't even touch that games after seeing what it has done to some of my friends.
emptycalm
Jul 6, 2009 1:38 AM CDT
That's too bad. Maybe something is wrong with their society if that many of them are addicted to the internet. Sending people to boot camp for that hardy seems like a positive solution. If one at all.

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