1st Edition

Youth and Internet Addiction in China

By Trent Bax Copyright 2014
240 Pages
by Routledge

240 Pages
by Routledge

240 Pages
by Routledge

A form of 'electronic opium' is how some people have characterised young people’s internet use in China. The problem of 'internet addiction' ( wangyin ) is seen by some parents as so severe that they have sought psychiatric help for their children. This book, which is based on extensive original research, including discussions with psychiatrists, parents and 'internet-addicted' young people,... Read more

Introduction: Turn On  1. Log In 2. The Internet Addiction Disorder 3. Critiques of the Internet Addiction Disorder Model 4. The Humanistic Intensive Internet Use Model 5. The Family War-Machine and the Search for Freedom 6. Push & Pull Factors 7. DSM-IV – Internet Addiction Disorder 8. Conclusion: Log off

Biography

Trent Bax is in the Department of Sociology at Ewha Womans University, South Korea.

'The idea of Internet addiction haunts parents, teachers, and other adults, as well as the youth who feel overwhelmed by the appeal of the virtual world. Many refer to psychological instability, worsening grades at school, distancing of self from friends and family, and other signs as evidence of such addiction. ... The author recognizes that some Chinese youth indeed demonstrate problematic behavioral patterns that make it difficult to lead what is considered to be a "normal" life. In order to deal with these concerns, Bax suggests that a new approach of "[seeking] to uncover the intra-, inter- and extra-personal factors underlining socially problematic Internet use" is necessary. This approach is applicable to other social concerns in the era of digital technology outside of China. The case study helps unearth solutions to common "psychosocial problems."'Y. Kiunchi, Michigan State University, CHOICE, February 2014

"This book will be of value to clinicians, researchers and those interested in cross-cultural differences in the perception of addictive behaviours and their treatment, and those seeking alternative humanistic-based explanations for excessive behaviours. A highly recommended and informative read." – International Gambling Studies