According to a recent study published in China, adolescents addicted to the internet are twice as likely to harm themselves than regular kids.

Researchers surveyed 1,618 students aged between 13 and 18, but for some reason they conducted the survey in just one City, Guangzhou in Guandong Province. However, since an average Chine city is bigger than most European countries, the sample was probably large enough.

The study found students addicted to the internet were more likely to inflict self-harm upon themselves, such as hitting, deliberate burning, hair pulling and pinching. Researchers claim self-harm does not include suicide. However, we guess anyone who wants to kill themselves in China can just start asking questions. The authorities will do the rest for a nominal 7.62x39mm bullet fee.

Internet addicts exhibit signs of depression and anxiety when not online and about 16 percent of the respondents claim they had harmed themselves over the past six months.

More here.