Pioneering Internet 'detox' center looks to cure online addicts |
Connect with TechFlash on our Facebook page for all the latest technology news headlines and commentary, plus information and access to special events, photos from events, promotions and more.
Today On Techflash
- Micron Tech CEO killed in airplane accident in Idaho
- Microsoft teams with NASA chief to talk about science education
- Renters, buyers (and lookers) continue to flock to Zillow
- Best in-house lawyers sought by PSBJ
- Nearly 100 million in the U.S. now own smartphones
- Expedia partnering with China Southern Airlines
- Amazon also supports same-sex marriage, following others in tech
- Microsoft's Youngjohns: Let business dictate move to cloud
- Nearly 100 million in the U.S. now own smartphones
- Tweet signals Microsoft marketing layoffs
- Keiretsu Forum NW invested $24 million in 36 startups in 2011
- Microsoft teams with NASA chief to talk about science education
- Renters, buyers (and lookers) continue to flock to Zillow
- 'Fast Pitch Forum' to debut May 27 with some familiar names
- Amazon sees gold in Babe Ruth or Wayne Gretzky trading cards
- Getty Images has GUESTLIST music for movie trailers, ads
- Keiretsu Forum NW invested $24 million in 36 startups in 2011
- Shop.com, backed by Bill Gates and Amazon.com, finds a buyer
- Amazon.com gets toehold in India with website, package center
Mass High Tech
Pioneering Internet 'detox' center looks to cure online addicts
Are you spending sleepless hours trying to master World of Warcraft? Would you rather send a friend a text mesage than meet in person? Do you sometimes fall asleep at the keyboard?
If you answered yes to any of those questions, you may have an Internet addiction. But now there's help. The reStart Internet Addiction Recovery Program -- a first of its kind center in the U.S. -- recently opened its doors on a tranquil 5-acre spread in Fall City just a few miles away from Microsoft's headquarters.
Most people go to treatment for cocaine or booze, but the creators of reStart say Internet addiction is a growing problem.
The 45-day program -- which costs $14,500 -- is designed specifically "to help internet and video game addicts overcome their dependence on gaming, gambling, chatting, texting and other aspects of Internet Addiction," according to the press release.
It goes on to say that as much as 10 percent of the online population is dependent on various aspects of the Internet, with the directors of the center noting that similar programs have arisen in places like China and South Korea.
[Follow-up: See this post being discussed on MSNBC's Morning Meeting program.]
KING 5 spent some time at the 6-bed facility, interviewing an Iowa teenager whose parents enrolled him after he dropped out of school because of his addiction to World of Warcraft.
"I'd have all these rationalizations of, well, it's not a big deal to just miss this one class," 19-year-old Ben Alexander tells KING 5.
At the rate things are going, my wife may want to check me into the program. I just completed the questionnaire to see if I would qualify as having a computer addiction. (Three to four affirmative answers signals abuse, while five or more indicates an addiction.)
I registered seven positive answers, including changes in sleep patterns; feeling restless when not engaged in the activity and neglecting friends and family.
With that, I am calling it quits for the night. Time to hop on my bike.
John Cook is co-founder of TechFlash. Follow on Twitter @johnhcook.
Follow-up: We asked Gnomedex attendees: Are you addicted to the Internet?
If you are commenting using a Facebook account, your profile information may be displayed with your comment depending on your privacy settings. By leaving the 'Post to Facebook' box selected, your comment will be published to your Facebook profile in addition to the space below.
TechFlash Team
Recent Sponsor Posts
The Triple Door Presents: The Atomic Bombshells "J'ADORE!: A Burlesque Valentine"
Seattle's reigning Burlesque super-troupe delivers a gorgeous and glittering VALENTINE featuring some of the Bombshells' most exhilarating acts to date. J'Adore! promises to celebrate l'amour with good humor, style, and a healthy dose of dazzle! Bring a friend, a lover, a family member, or a secret crush, and celebrate with the Valentine's Burlesque spectacular that will leave you shouting: "J'ADORE......The Atomic Bombshells!" The incomparable Jasper McCann emcees with high style and charm.
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
The Triple Door Presents: Bob Mould – See A Little Light: An Evening of Reading and Music
"Bob Mould. Those two words are synonymous with integrity. From Husker Du in the last century to right at this moment, Bob is the real deal, writing and playing music for music's sake. He's a great songwriter and performer. I have been a fan of Bob's for thirty years now with no end in sight." -Henry Rollins
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
Why Choose BDO for your SOC (previously SAS 70) Reports?
BDO’s experience in providing attestation services (SAS 70/SSAE 16, AT 101, AT 201, AT 601, etc.) to a broad range of industries, and our team of skilled professionals distinctly qualifies us to serve as your company’s Service Auditor. By leveraging the BDO global network of control specialists, we are poised to provide global services in more than 1,000 offices and across 119 countries. Many organizations find that investing in reports on controls may result in benefits, including:
• Increased client confidence
• Improved competitive advantage
• Minimization of frequent audits
• Streamlined business processes and controls
• Enhanced risk management
For detailed information contact Paul Martini at pmartini@bdo.com.
Seattle University Graduate Programs Accepting Applications:
Seattle University now offers two graduate programs in computing. The evening Master of Software Engineering program builds upon the professional experience of its students and offers courses in a variety of technical and management topics, with an emphasis on teamwork and a disciplined approach to problem solving. The Master of Science in Computer Science program accommodates both full-time and part-time students and enhances students’ previous academic work in computer science, in order to develop technical depth and lifelong learning skills necessary for successful career advancement.
