Hadi Wijaya
The rapid integration of digital technology into daily life has prompted experts to call for more robust parental intervention strategies, with Novi Poespita Candra, a prominent psychologist from Gadjah Mada University (UGM), emphasizing that meaningful communication is the primary defense against gadget and gaming addiction. Speaking on the matter, Candra highlighted that the current era makes it nearly impossible to completely isolate children from digital devices; therefore, the focus must shift from total prohibition to informed management and self-regulation. According to Candra, parents must move beyond simple monitoring and engage in "intense dialogue" with their children to understand their digital habits and the psychological rewards they derive from gaming.
This recommendation comes at a time when digital consumption among minors in Indonesia and globally has reached unprecedented levels, partly accelerated by the shift toward digital learning and entertainment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The psychologist noted that games and gadgets are now an inseparable part of the social fabric, particularly for the younger generation. However, without clear boundaries regarding duration, content selection, and the type of games played, children risk losing the balance between their virtual achievements and their real-world social responsibilities. The goal of parental dialogue, as Candra suggests, is to cultivate a sense of responsibility and self-awareness in children so they can manage their own digital consumption.
The Neurochemistry of Gaming Addiction
A critical component of Candra’s analysis involves the biological impact of gaming on the developing brain. She explained that video games are designed to trigger the release of "happiness hormones," specifically dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins. These neurochemicals create a powerful reward system that reinforces the desire to play. Dopamine, often associated with the anticipation of a reward, is released during gameplay when a player achieves a goal or levels up. Oxytocin can be triggered through social interactions in multiplayer environments, while serotonin is linked to the pride of accomplishment and status within a game. Endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, are often released during high-intensity or fast-paced gaming sequences.
When these hormones are consistently triggered by digital stimuli, the body naturally seeks to replicate that feeling, leading to a cycle of repetitive behavior that can eventually manifest as addiction. Candra warned that if this cycle is not recognized and addressed early, the long-term consequences for a child’s mental and physical health can be severe. The constant "high" provided by digital rewards can make real-life activities—which often require more effort for a slower neurochemical payoff—seem dull or unrewarding by comparison.
Recognizing the Risks to Mental and Physical Health
The implications of unmanaged gaming habits extend far beyond simple boredom. Candra outlined several mental health risks associated with digital addiction, including diminished social skills, increased stress levels, chronic fatigue, and a general sense of apathy. When children spend excessive amounts of time in virtual environments, they may struggle to navigate the complexities of face-to-face social cues, leading to isolation. Furthermore, the "low" that follows a long gaming session can result in irritability and a lack of motivation to pursue academic or extracurricular interests.
Physically, the toll is equally concerning. The sedentary nature of excessive gaming contributes to a lack of physical movement, which is essential during a child’s growth years. Experts have noted a rise in "tech neck" (musculoskeletal strain in the neck and shoulders), eye strain or digital myopia, and joint pain in the hands and wrists. Candra emphasized that these physical symptoms are often the first visible signs that a child’s digital habits have become problematic. By fostering a dialogue, parents can help children connect their physical discomfort—such as tired eyes or a sore back—to their screen time, helping them understand the tangible negative effects on their bodies.
Data and Trends in Digital Usage
The concerns raised by UGM’s psychological experts are supported by broader data regarding internet and gadget usage in Indonesia. According to reports from the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (APJII), the penetration rate of internet users has seen a steady climb, with the younger demographic (ages 5 to 18) representing a significant portion of active users. Recent surveys indicate that a large majority of Indonesian children have access to a smartphone, and many spend an average of four to six hours daily on entertainment-related digital activities.
Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognized "Gaming Disorder" in the 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). The WHO defines the disorder as a pattern of gaming behavior characterized by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other interests and daily activities, and continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences. The inclusion of this disorder in the ICD-11 highlights the global consensus among medical professionals that digital addiction is a legitimate public health concern that requires clinical attention and preventive measures at the domestic level.
Strategies for Effective Parental Intervention
To mitigate these risks, Candra suggests a framework of "negotiated boundaries" rather than strict, authoritarian rules. The dialogue should be exploratory: parents are encouraged to ask their children what they enjoy about specific games, what they feel they are gaining, and whether they notice any changes in their mood or physical health after playing. This approach shifts the dynamic from a "parent vs. child" conflict to a collaborative effort in "management and self-awareness."
Key strategies recommended by psychological experts include:
- Establishing Mutual Agreements: Instead of imposing a time limit, parents and children should discuss and agree upon a schedule that balances schoolwork, physical play, social interaction, and gaming.
- Content Curation: Parents should take an active interest in the types of games their children play, steering them toward age-appropriate content that may have educational or cognitive benefits.
- Modeling Behavior: Children often mimic the digital habits of their parents. If parents are constantly on their phones during dinner or family time, children are less likely to respect boundaries on their own gadget use.
- Diversifying "Happiness Hormones": Candra pointed out that the same neurochemicals released during gaming can be found in other activities. Sports can trigger endorphins, family bonding can trigger oxytocin, and achieving a personal hobby goal can trigger dopamine and serotonin. Parents should facilitate these offline opportunities.
Chronology of the Digital Shift in Indonesian Households
The current crisis of gadget addiction did not happen overnight but is the result of a decade-long transition. In the early 2010s, smartphone accessibility in Indonesia began to surge, but usage among children was largely restricted to occasional entertainment. By 2015, the rise of mobile gaming (such as Mobile Legends and Free Fire) began to capture the attention of the younger demographic, turning gaming into a primary social activity.
The turning point occurred in 2020 with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. As schools closed and social distancing became mandatory, gadgets transitioned from "optional accessories" to "essential tools" for education and socialization. During this period, the boundaries between productive screen time and recreational screen time became blurred. Post-pandemic, many families have struggled to "dial back" this increased reliance on devices, leading to the current situation where experts like Candra must intervene with strategies for digital detoxification and balanced living.
Broader Societal and Educational Implications
The long-term impact of failing to address digital addiction could manifest in the future workforce and social structure. Educational experts warn that a generation with shortened attention spans and a dependency on instant digital gratification may struggle with the "deep work" required in higher education and complex professional fields. Furthermore, the decline in physical activity among the youth poses a long-term risk to public health systems, potentially increasing the prevalence of obesity and related non-communicable diseases.
Government bodies and educational institutions have started to take note. In Indonesia, the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Kemenkominfo) and the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) have frequently issued guidelines on digital literacy. However, as Candra noted, the most effective "policy" is the one implemented within the home. The psychological health of the next generation depends on the ability of parents to transform from "gatekeepers" into "guides" who can navigate the digital landscape alongside their children.
Ultimately, the message from UGM is clear: technology is a tool that can either enhance or hinder development depending on its use. By fostering self-management and maintaining open lines of communication, parents can ensure that their children reap the benefits of the digital age without falling into the trap of addiction. As Novi Poespita Candra concluded, the most important factor is building self-awareness within the child, allowing them to understand that while the virtual world offers temporary happiness, the real world requires their full presence and engagement.
source: Antara
