“POV” scores this week’s Doc of the Week pick with “Web Junkie.” Directed and produced by Israeli filmmakers Shosh Shlam and Hilla Medalia, the film takes viewers inside an internet addiction rehabilitation facility in Beijing, China, documenting the therapies of three teenage boys sent to the military-style program by their parents. Web addiction is deemed a national health crisis in China, some even comparing the severity of the addiction to that of those addicted to hard drugs. The use of the internet to combat loneliness is one issue the film reveals. As humans we desire to connect with other humans. Though “Web Junkie” is about teenagers in China, it’s easy to see the use of technology inhibiting face-to-face connections all around us. Web Junkie is now streaming until August 13th on PBS.com.
Homepage photo credit: Dogwoof Global
