Internet addiction to be exposed in new film

Lethally Harmless Productions, a non-profit collective of artists and scientists operating out of the Business Innovation Zone at the university, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to fund the completion of ‘iDependence’ – the first documentary film of its kind about Internet Addiction Disorder.

The documentary aims to raise awareness of the personal and social implications of Internet addiction, which has shared similarities with alcoholism, drug and sex addiction.

Michal Korzonek, a film and media graduate of Queen Margaret University and director of the film, called ‘iDependence’, said: “‘iDependence’ includes interviews with renowned academics, teachers and professionals from research institutions and schools from all around Europe. It exposes Internet addiction in detail and gives practical advice on how to diagnose and treat the disorder.

“Importantly, the film provides parents, teachers and anyone interested in internet use with the tools to help them use new technologies in a healthy and beneficial way.”

Lethally Harmless Productions aims to raise £10,101 over a month-long crowdfunding campaign to cover the costs required to complete the film. Everything above the target sum will be used to distribute the documentary, which will be supported by training sessions and presentations to schools, institutions, workplaces, film festivals and conferences worldwide. It is hoped that this will help stimulate global debate on the healthy use of the Internet.

Professor Alan Gilloran, Deputy Principal of Queen Margaret University, said: “From our inception, QMU has responded to some of the most pressing issues that affect our society. I am proud that ‘Lethally Harmless Productions’ is ambitious in its determination to deal with a serious issue, such as Internet addiction, which affects societies on a global scale.”

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