CHINA — While some folks find pornography to be shocking, an increasing number of Chinese bloggers are reporting that the way their supposed addiction to the sexy stuff was dealt with at the Shandong hospital was quite literally a shocking experience. 30 minutes worth of shock therapy while tied to a gurney shocking.
While the much-maligned practice of shock therapy is considered useful in small doses for some individuals and conditions, what has been taking place at Shandong hospital is more realistically called “torture.”
In a reassuring demonstration of sanity, the Chinese government has responded to reports of shock therapy abuse by banning its use when dealing with cases of so-called “porn addiction.”
But only after the practice sparked a nationwide controversy.
When word of the excessive “treatments” began to circulate throughout the blogosphere, the Chinese media took notice, prompting government response.
The practice has now been officially condemned as having no medical purpose and therefore banned, according to the Chinese health ministry’s website. The Shandong hospital was specifically mentioned, although no hospitals may indulge in the behavior.
According to the press, a hospital spokeswoman insists that the hospital had already discontinued the behavior modification treatment because the media reports concerning it have inaccurately “sensationalized” the situation. The unnamed woman alleges that the shocks were meant to cause patients to associate discomfort with internet use and ultimately to admit that they were guilty of inappropriate behavior.
Government-funded internet addiction treatments have become popular in China, although no official diagnosis has been accepted. Children as said to be tricked into treatment by parents who consider their online gaming to be excessive and treatment centers are alleged to resemble boot camps with therapists. Treatment center staff considers online games such as World of Warcraft to be at fault for Chinese teen internet addiction.
