South Korea is likely the world's most wired nation, and today's kids have grown up online, networked and broadbanded. Just about every street corner has a “PC bang,†or internet parlors where kids surf online. Growing numbers of kids are skipping school to be online and an estimated 30 percent of South Koreans under 18, or about 2.4 million people, are at risk of Internet addiction. The answer for some is the Rescue Camp.
"They come here, to the Jump Up Internet Rescue School, the first camp of its kind in South Korea and possibly the world, to be cured," the New York Times reported.
"Compulsive Internet use has been identified as a mental health issue in other countries, including the United States. However, it may be a particularly acute problem in South Korea because of the country's nearly universal Internet access."
We've seen internet addict camps in China too:
Internet Addict Camp (Part II)
South Korean Weboholics
Trend Themes
1. Internet Addiction Treatment - Opportunity for the development of innovative treatment and therapy programs for compulsive Internet use that can be customized for different age groups and cultures.
2. Digital Detox Retreats - Opportunity to design retreats that offer immersive experiences and activities, as well as digital detox programs that are appealing to different audiences.
3. E-learning Platforms - Opportunity to develop new online learning platforms to help students stay engaged with the curriculum and avoid giving the temptation of compulsive internet use.
Industry Implications
1. Mental Healthcare - Opportunity for mental health providers to invest in the development of therapeutic approaches and facilities for treating internet addiction.
2. Hospitality & Wellness - Opportunity for the hospitality and wellness industry to develop escape destinations that offer digital detox experiences, both at home and abroad.
3. Education - Opportunity to develop e-learning platforms that engage students and help teachers and parents identify early signs of compulsive internet use.