The history of China's electroshock therapy for internet addiction - Excessive online usage is a growing concern in today’s digital age. Rather than traditional therapies, China took an extreme approach to combat this perceived threat.

In the early 2000s, the unique industry of Internet addiction treatment centers emerged. These centers employed controversial and often abusive methods, including military-style discipline and electroconvulsive therapy, to “cure” young people of their compulsive online behavior.

Curious to learn more about what happened inside these centers? Click on.

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Digital boom -

China’s rapid economic growth in the early 2000s fueled a surge in Internet usage. By 2005, it boasted the world’s largest Internet user base. As of early 2024, this number had grown to nearly 1.1 billion, according to the China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC).

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Addiction stats -

As Internet usage skyrocketed, concerns about excessive online activity arose. A 2008 study estimated that 10 million Chinese citizens were addicted to the Internet.

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Young users -

A 2006 government report from the China National Children's Center also found that 13% of China's 18 million Internet users under 18 were addicted.

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Growing trend -

To support the growing user base, China had over 200,000 Internet cafes in the early 2000s. These cafes provided anonymous access to the Internet, bypassing the country's strict censorship laws.

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Parents on alert -

In a culture that values hard work and academic success, parents grew increasingly worried as their children spent increasing amounts of time in Internet cafes. News of Internet addiction's negative impacts, including violence, further fueled public concern.

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Shocking cases -

In 2002, two teenagers were sentenced to life in prison for starting a deadly fire at a Beijing Internet cafe. The fire, which killed 25 people, was allegedly set in retaliation against the owner for refusing them entry.

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Crackdown on cafes -

Concerned about the rise of Internet addiction and juvenile crime, the Chinese government took steps to regulate Internet cafes. In 2001, they were banned from residential areas and areas near government offices and schools. In 2007, a ban on new Internet cafes was implemented.

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Clinical disorder -

Recognizing the severe negative impacts of Internet addiction, the Chinese government classified it as a clinical disorder in 2005.

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Internet addiction definition -

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), Internet addiction is a behavioral pattern marked by excessive online and offline computer use, leading to distress and impairment.

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Internet addiction definition -

Diagnosis is based not only on time spent online but also on unhealthy behaviors that disrupt personal, academic, or professional life.

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Treatment centers -

To address the growing concern, a new industry of Internet addiction treatment centers emerged. By 2010, there were over 2,500 such centers across China.

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Extreme methods -

Promising rehabilitation through military-style boot camps, these centers were often run by former military officers who conducted a rigorous regimen of therapy, medication, and physical training.

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Army legacy -

One of the first camps was established in 2004 by Tao Ran, a renowned colonel in the People's Liberation Army. Known for his success in rehabilitating drug addicts, Ran applied similar methods to treat Internet addiction.

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Inside the camps -

While parents believed in the effectiveness of these camps, they often employed controversial and abusive methods.

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Military-style discipline -

Detainees reported being subjected to strict rules, including being made to march around the compound, and verbal abuse.

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Precarious hygiene -

Despite mandatory strenuous exercise, detainees reported poor hygiene conditions, claiming they were only permitted one shower per week.

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Isolation -

Detainees were often isolated from their families and friends for months.

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Behind bars -

A 2014 New York Times documentary reported that one center detained teenage boys against their will. Once inside, they were confined and guarded by soldiers for three to four months.

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No guardians -

Parents were even required to sign agreements relinquishing guardianship for the duration of treatment.

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From children to adults -

Detainees reported that the camps housed individuals ranging from six-year-olds to those in their mid-30s.

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Electroshock therapy -

However, the most controversial treatments went even further in the abuse scale. Centers like the one run by psychiatrist Yang Yongxin used extreme methods, including electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), also known as shock therapy.

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Used as punishment -

A report by the Chinese newspaper Information Times revealed that patients at Yang's clinic received ECT not only for addiction treatment but also as punishment for minor infractions, such as eating chocolate or sitting in Yang's chair. Parents were required to sign contracts acknowledging this risk.

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Excessive application -

Tang Fei (not pictured), a former patient, publicly denounced the clinic's practices, including his experience of receiving dozens of ECT treatments in just over a month and a 30-minute session after a failed escape attempt.

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To put it in perspective -

ECT involves passing electric currents through the brain to induce seizures. This procedure typically lasts a few seconds and is administered under general anesthesia. In contrast, patients at Yang's clinic endured multiple, prolonged ECT sessions, often lasting several minutes.

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Lucrative business -

Some centers charged exorbitant monthly fees of U$600 to $1,500, far exceeding the average weekly income of Chinese city dwellers.

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Government reaction -

Public outrage and international condemnation forced the Chinese government to crack down on abusive treatment centers.

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Specialists react -

Despite claims of a 70% success rate by the clinic operators, critics and psychologists argued that these military-style clinics are too harsh and ineffective. Many former detainees have suffered long-term mental health consequences, including PTSD and depression.

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Officially banned -

In 2009, the Chinese Ministry of Health banned the use of ECT for Internet addiction. Following further regulations in 2014, many abusive treatment centers were shut down. However, some reports allege that clinics continue to use shock therapy under the guise of "electric acupuncture."

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Professional help -

If you or someone you know is struggling with Internet addiction, it is important to seek professional help. Therapists and counselors can provide guidance and support.

Sources: (New Yor Times) (The Guardian) (Wired) (Washington Post) (American Psychological Association) (Global Times) (Sixth Tone) (Fern.tv)

See also: Signs you need a digital detox

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