Net addict definition debated

A draft definition of an Internet addict as someone who spends more than 40 hours online a week has been criticized by online users who fall into that definition.

The draft definition was based on standards used by foreign countries and was influenced by China's experience with the problem, Gao Xueping, a member of the expert panel working on a new treatment standard, told China National Radio yesterday.

The panel, authorized by the Ministry of Health, is working on guidelines to treat people addicted to online games, the biggest group of Internet addicts, Gao said.