In Germany, the rise of internet addiction among young people is a growing concern. According to recent statistics, over 600,000 youths in the country suffer from this condition, with many spending hours playing online games or simply surfing the web. One such young person was Erik, who used to spend up to 20 hours in front of his monitor on a daily basis. He even quit school to devote all his time to gaming, until he realized he needed help.
As smoking and alcohol addictions decline, the problem of internet dependency becomes more apparent. In fact, about 16% of ninth-graders in Germany now spend more than 4 hours each day in front of their computers, with even more time being spent on smartphones. Erik’s journey brings this issue to the forefront as he grapples with his internet addiction, seeking therapy and support from self-help groups and hospitals. Despite his best efforts, will he be able to resist the charms of the internet and regain control of his life?
