Hadi Wijaya
The rapid integration of digital technology into the daily lives of families has necessitated a shift in parenting paradigms, particularly regarding the mitigation of gadget and gaming addiction among children and adolescents. Novi Poespita Candra, a prominent psychologist from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), has emphasized that the most effective tool for preventing digital dependency is not found in restrictive software or total bans, but rather in the cultivation of intense, meaningful communication between parents and their children. In a statement released on Saturday, February 11, 2023, Candra highlighted that the current ubiquity of mobile devices and gaming platforms makes them an inseparable part of modern existence, requiring a sophisticated approach to management that balances digital engagement with social and physical health.
According to Candra, the foundation of this management begins with a deep, inquisitive dialogue. Parents are encouraged to move beyond simple directives and instead engage in a process of mutual discovery regarding the child’s digital habits. This involves asking critical questions such as what psychological or emotional fulfillment the child derives from gaming, and whether they have observed any tangible positive or negative impacts on their physical health or daily routines. By fostering an environment where children can reflect on their own experiences, parents can help them develop the self-awareness necessary to identify when a hobby has transitioned into a problematic habit.
The Biological Mechanism of Digital Dependency
To understand why gaming is so compelling—and potentially addictive—it is essential to examine the neurological processes at play. Candra pointed out that gaming triggers the release of several "happiness hormones" within the human brain, including Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins. These chemicals are part of the brain’s natural reward system, designed to reinforce behaviors essential for survival and social bonding. However, the structured rewards of modern video games—such as leveling up, obtaining rare items, or winning competitive matches—are specifically engineered to trigger these neurochemical releases frequently and intensely.
Dopamine, often associated with the anticipation of a reward, plays a central role in the "loop" of gaming addiction. When a child achieves a goal in a game, a surge of dopamine provides a sense of pleasure and satisfaction, which the brain then seeks to replicate. Over time, this can lead to a state where the child feels a compulsion to play continuously to maintain those levels of neurochemical stimulation. Oxytocin is often released during multiplayer interactions, providing a sense of social belonging, while Serotonin and Endorphins contribute to feelings of accomplishment and the "rush" of high-stakes gameplay. Candra warned that without a conscious effort to find these hormones through other, more diverse activities, a child’s body may become naturally predisposed to seek them exclusively through the digital medium, leading to potential addiction.
Identifying the Risks: Mental and Physical Health Implications
The consequences of unmanaged gaming habits extend far beyond simple time management issues. Candra detailed a spectrum of mental health challenges that can arise when a child becomes overly dependent on digital stimulation. These include chronic stress, a marked decrease in social competence, and a state of "chronic fatigue" caused by late-night gaming sessions that disrupt natural circadian rhythms. Furthermore, children may exhibit signs of apathy and a significant loss of motivation for non-digital activities, such as academic studies, physical hobbies, or face-to-face social interactions.
From a physiological perspective, the impact is equally concerning. During the critical years of growth and development, a sedentary lifestyle dominated by screen time can lead to a lack of physical movement, contributing to childhood obesity and poor cardiovascular health. Specific ailments such as "Computer Vision Syndrome" (CVS), which causes eye strain and headaches, as well as joint pain in the wrists, neck, and back—often referred to as "text neck"—are becoming increasingly common among younger populations. Candra emphasized that these physical and mental tolls are often the result of a lack of self-management, which must be addressed through both parental intervention and the development of the child’s own internal discipline.
Contextualizing the Global and National Digital Landscape
The concerns raised by the UGM psychologist are mirrored by global trends and data. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), "Gaming Disorder" was officially included in the 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) in 2018. The WHO defines this 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 the continuation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences.
In the Indonesian context, the urgency is underscored by the massive growth in internet penetration. Data from the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (APJII) indicates that internet users in the country have exceeded 215 million, with a significant portion of that demographic being of school age. The accessibility of low-cost smartphones and affordable mobile data has democratized gaming, making it the primary form of entertainment for millions of children across various socioeconomic backgrounds. This widespread access, while beneficial for digital literacy, has also created a vacuum where traditional outdoor play and community-based social activities are being replaced by solitary or virtual interactions.
Strategies for Effective Parental Intervention
Novi Poespita Candra argues that the solution lies in "Self-Awareness and Self-Management." This is not a process that children can typically navigate alone; it requires a collaborative framework established by parents. One of the primary recommendations is the creation of clear agreements regarding the duration of play, the type of content consumed, and the specific games allowed. These agreements should not be perceived as punishments but as a shared commitment to a balanced life.
To make these agreements effective, parents must:
- Model Healthy Behavior: Children are highly observant and often replicate the digital habits of their parents. If parents are constantly on their phones during family meals or conversations, the child is unlikely to respect boundaries placed on their own usage.
- Encourage Alternative Reward Systems: Since gaming provides a chemical reward, parents should actively help children find other activities that trigger similar "happiness hormones." This could include organized sports (Endorphins), family outings (Oxytocin), learning a new skill or craft (Serotonin), or achieving academic milestones (Dopamine).
- Implement Gradual Responsibility: Instead of controlling every second of a child’s day, parents should train children to manage their own schedules. This involves teaching them how to prioritize chores, homework, and hygiene before turning to digital entertainment.
Analysis of the Broader Impact on Society
The implications of adolescent gaming addiction reach into the future of the national workforce and social fabric. Experts suggest that a generation raised with a dependency on instant digital gratification may struggle with the "delayed gratification" required for complex problem-solving and long-term career goals. Furthermore, the erosion of face-to-face communication skills could impact the collaborative nature of modern professional environments.
There is also an economic dimension to consider. While the gaming industry is a significant contributor to the global digital economy, the social costs associated with treating addiction and managing the health consequences of sedentary lifestyles are substantial. By addressing these issues at the familial level through the methods suggested by Candra, society can mitigate the long-term public health burden.
Conclusion: Toward a Balanced Digital Future
The advice from the UGM psychologist serves as a vital reminder that technology is a tool that requires a manual for healthy usage. The "happiness hormones" provided by gaming are not inherently bad; they are, however, addictive if they become the sole source of joy for a developing mind. The goal for modern parents is not to eliminate gaming—which offers benefits such as improved hand-eye coordination, strategic thinking, and digital fluency—but to ensure it does not overshadow the fundamental human needs for physical activity, social connection, and real-world responsibility.
Through "intense dialogue" and the establishment of mutual agreements, parents can empower their children to become masters of their digital tools rather than subjects of them. As the digital landscape continues to evolve with the advent of the metaverse and increasingly immersive gaming experiences, the principles of self-awareness and self-management will remain the most robust defense against the pitfalls of the digital age. The responsibility lies in the home, where the first and most important conversations about the balance between the virtual and the real must take place.
