Hadi Wijaya
Psychologists from Gadjah Mada University (UGM) are urging parents to prioritize intensive communication and dialogue with their children as a primary defense against the rising tide of gadget and gaming addiction. Novi Poespita Candra, a prominent psychologist at UGM, emphasized that the digital landscape has become an inseparable part of modern life, necessitating a shift in parenting strategies from mere prohibition to active engagement and self-management training. Speaking on the matter, Candra highlighted that understanding the psychological and physiological drivers of gaming is essential for parents who wish to guide their children toward a balanced lifestyle.
The core of the issue, according to Candra, lies in the "happiness hormones" triggered by digital entertainment. Activities such as mobile gaming stimulate the release of Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins—collectively known as the "DOSE" chemicals. While these hormones are natural and beneficial in moderate amounts, the high-frequency rewards provided by modern gaming apps can create a feedback loop that leads to dependency. To counter this, parents are encouraged to foster a deep, reflective dialogue with their children, asking them to evaluate their own physical and emotional states after prolonged play.
The Biological Mechanism of Digital Dependency
Understanding why children are so drawn to screens requires a look at the neurochemistry of the brain. Candra explained that games are meticulously designed to trigger the brain’s reward system. Dopamine is released during the "achievement" phase of a game, such as leveling up or winning a match. Oxytocin can be stimulated through the social interactions found in multiplayer environments, while Serotonin is linked to the pride of mastery and Endorphins act as a temporary stress reliever.
When a child becomes accustomed to these high levels of stimulation, the brain begins to crave the same intensity of "happiness," leading to a cycle of compulsive behavior. Over time, the threshold for satisfaction increases, meaning the child must play longer or more frequently to achieve the same emotional high. Candra noted that if this process is not monitored, it can evolve into a clinical addiction, characterized by a loss of control over gaming habits and a prioritization of digital play over essential daily functions.
The Importance of Intensive Dialogue and Agreements
Rather than simply confiscating devices—a move that often leads to conflict and secrecy—Candra suggests a more collaborative approach. "There needs to be an intense dialogue with children. What do they get when they play games? Are there positive and negative influences they feel in their bodies and their lives?" she stated. This approach aims to build "metacognition" in children, which is the ability to think about their own thinking and behavior.
The goal of these conversations is to reach a mutual agreement or "social contract" within the household. These agreements should cover the duration of use, the selection of content, and the specific types of games that are appropriate for the child’s developmental stage. By involving the child in the decision-making process, parents help them develop self-management skills. When a child understands the "why" behind the rules, they are more likely to adhere to them and eventually regulate their own behavior without constant parental oversight.
Statistical Context: The Digital Landscape in Indonesia
The urgency of this advice is underscored by recent data regarding internet and gadget usage in Indonesia. According to a 2023 report by the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (APJII), internet penetration in the country has reached over 78%, with a significant portion of new users being school-aged children. Furthermore, data from various market research firms indicates that Indonesia is one of the largest markets for mobile gaming in Southeast Asia, with millions of active daily users on platforms like Mobile Legends, Free Fire, and PUBG Mobile.
A study conducted by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Kominfo) previously indicated that Indonesian children spend an average of 6.5 to 7 hours a day on the internet, a figure that spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic and has remained high. This shift in lifestyle has led to a "new normal" where digital interaction often supersedes physical play, making the psychological insights provided by experts like Candra more relevant than ever.
Chronology of the Gaming Evolution and Parental Challenges
The challenge for parents has evolved rapidly over the last two decades. In the early 2000s, gaming was largely a stationary activity tied to consoles or desktop computers. The rise of smartphones in the 2010s transitioned gaming into a "pocket-sized" distraction available 24/7.
- Pre-2010: Gaming was a scheduled activity, often restricted to the living room.
- 2010-2015: The proliferation of affordable smartphones in Indonesia began to democratize internet access, moving gaming to the palms of children’s hands.
- 2016-2019: The rise of competitive esports turned gaming into a potential "career path," complicating parental efforts to limit screen time as children cited professional aspirations.
- 2020-2022: The COVID-19 pandemic forced education online, effectively removing the barriers between "study time" and "screen time."
- 2023-Present: Experts are now dealing with the "post-pandemic hangover," where the habits formed during lockdowns have solidified into behavioral patterns that are difficult to break.
The Multi-Dimensional Impact of Addiction
The consequences of unmanaged gaming addiction are not limited to poor academic performance. Candra pointed out a wide array of mental and physical health risks that can derail a child’s development.
Mental Health Risks:
- Social Withdrawal: Children may lose the ability to navigate face-to-face social cues, leading to isolation.
- Stress and Irritability: When denied access to their devices, addicted children often exhibit symptoms of withdrawal, including heightened anxiety and aggression.
- Chronic Fatigue and Apathy: The mental energy expended on gaming can leave children feeling drained and uninterested in other hobbies or responsibilities.
- Low Motivation: The "easy" dopamine of gaming makes real-world achievements, which require more effort and time, seem unappealing.
Physical Health Risks:
- Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of movement contributes to childhood obesity and poor cardiovascular health.
- Vision Issues: Prolonged exposure to blue light and close-range focusing can lead to "Computer Vision Syndrome" and myopia.
- Musculoskeletal Problems: "Text neck" and joint pain in the fingers and wrists are becoming increasingly common among young gamers.
Institutional Responses and the Need for a Holistic Solution
The concerns raised by UGM are echoed by various Indonesian institutions. The Ministry of Health has increasingly integrated "gaming disorder" into its mental health awareness campaigns, following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2018 decision to include it in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11).
Educational observers have also noted that schools must play a role in digital literacy. However, the consensus remains that the home environment is the most critical battlefield. "The happiness hormones triggered by gaming can be produced by other activities," Candra noted. She suggested that parents help children find alternative sources of joy, such as sports, music, or community service, which provide a more sustainable and healthy chemical balance in the brain.
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) has also promoted the concept of "Profil Pelajar Pancasila," which includes elements of self-reliance and global diversity. Experts argue that digital self-management is a core component of being a modern, independent learner. Without the ability to control their digital consumption, students are at risk of falling behind in an increasingly competitive global economy.
Analysis: Building the "Golden Generation" 2045
As Indonesia looks toward its centenary in 2045, the quality of its human resources—the "Golden Generation"—is a primary national concern. If a significant portion of the youth population is hampered by digital addiction, the nation’s demographic dividend could turn into a demographic burden.
The analysis of Candra’s recommendations suggests that the solution is not technological, but relational. The "digital divide" in families is often not about a lack of devices, but a lack of shared understanding. When parents use gadgets as "digital babysitters" to keep children quiet, they inadvertently lay the groundwork for future addiction. Conversely, when gadgets are used as tools for shared learning and the boundaries are clearly negotiated, they become assets rather than liabilities.
Ultimately, the goal of parental intervention should be to foster "digital resilience." This means raising children who can enjoy the benefits of technology—such as information access and entertainment—without becoming enslaved by the algorithms designed to keep them scrolling. By building self-awareness and self-management through the "intense dialogue" Candra advocates, parents are not just preventing addiction; they are equipping their children with the emotional intelligence required to thrive in the 21st century.
The responsibility, therefore, lies in the balance. As Candra concluded, the most important factor is building self-awareness. When a child understands how a game affects their body and mind, they gain the power to step away. This internal "off switch" is far more effective than any external parental control software or confiscated phone. Through dialogue, empathy, and clear boundaries, the modern family can navigate the digital age while preserving the mental and physical health of the next generation.
