A private clinic for Facebook addicts has opened in Algeria amidst fears that addicted users will be more vulnerable to extremist Islamic groups. Founded by addiction specialists and psychiatrists in the country, this clinic is a first of a kind in this region (Africa) and third in the world after similar facilities launched in China and South Korea. The clinic also addresses issues of drugs, alcohol and smoking addiction.
Located in Eastern city of Constantine, the Clinic for Facebook Addicts offers various programmes for patients (users) including counselling but the main idea is to be able to help them overcome their addiction to the social network which is now called ‘Blue Magic’
In the words of the Director of the Clinic, Human development scientist, Raouf Boqafa said; “There is some danger in underestimating the damage of Facebook addiction compared to the risk of physical drugs. Algeria counts around 10 million Facebook users with an annual growth of ten percent.
Blue magic… the magic of Facebook and the wider internet. To tackle “blue magic”, the idea came to limit the three effects of the addiction… to reduce the psychological, social, and security damage experienced by one who lives in the virtual world.”
Image via TechAddiction.ca
Source: Alaraby.co.uk
Authors Name: Nadir Wasaq is a freelance writer with a steadily rising portfolio. He is lover of the Algerian National team and hope to be a president of the his beloved country one day.
