Caught in the Web

China Central Television aired an investigative show last week about a problematic cure for Internet addiction. It focused on a doctor who uses electro-convulsive therapy to treat mostly teenagers sent in by their parents and guardians to achieve "behavioral correction", as the treatment is labeled at a Linyi, Shandong province, hospital.

It was an excellent report that asked tough questions and touched on many technical issues. Yang Yongxin, the doctor in charge, admits his treatment has not been "verified" or "approved" by authorities, and the electroshock equipment he uses "has not been issued a government permit since 2000".

Like many people I believe electroshock therapy does not heal on a permanent basis, but produces only fear and obedience. But then, I'm no expert. According to the American Psychiatric Association and the British National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, the treatment does not cause brain damage in adults. Still, applying it to teenagers - without their consent - seems cruel.