13 Impacts of Online Gaming Addiction on Teenagers
Online games are video games played through the internet that allow players to interact and play together in real time from various locations using devices such as computers, laptops, or smartphones.
Online games such as Mobile Legends Bang Bang, Free Fire, and PUBG Mobile are indeed very popular among teenagers. However, if played excessively, they can cause various negative impacts.
Playing games too frequently can cause teenagers to neglect schoolwork and study. Staring at screens for prolonged periods can cause eye fatigue, dryness, and even myopia. Playing games late into the night can disrupt sleep patterns. Gaming addiction can make teenagers unable to concentrate on other activities. Sitting for extended periods whilst playing games can result in the body rarely moving. Teenagers addicted to games often become more irritable or frustrated when they lose. Teenagers may become more withdrawn and rarely interact directly with others. Continuous gaming habits can trigger Gaming Disorder. Incorrect posture whilst playing games can cause back or neck pain. Some games involve in-game purchases, which can make teenagers spend excessively. Excessive focus on games can cause stress or anxiety. Teenagers may procrastinate on homework or other important activities. Gaming addiction can make teenagers prefer the gaming world over real life.
Online gaming addiction in teenagers can impact physical health, mental well-being, and social life. Therefore, it is important to play games responsibly and not excessively to maintain balance with other activities.
President Prabowo Subianto is examining the possibility of restricting online games following an explosion incident at SMA Negeri 72 Jakarta. The Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT) has discovered systematic attempts by radical groups to infiltrate online games. Regarding Roblox, the Jakarta Dinas Pemberdayaan, Perlindungan Anak, dan Pengendalian Penduduk (Child Empowerment, Protection, and Population Control Agency) official Iin Mutmainnah has called on parents to tighten supervision of children.
Minister of Education and Culture Abdul Mu’ti expressed concerns about gaming, having previously banned students from playing Roblox due to the game being deemed to contain violence. However, Hetifah Sjaifudian, Chairwoman of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives, stated that Roblox, like many other digital platforms and online games, has both positive and negative aspects.
Online games can be played on various devices such as computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, or consoles such as PlayStation and Xbox. Online games often involve competitive, social, or cooperative elements, with players able to connect and play together worldwide. Beyond entertainment, online games are often used as social platforms where players can meet and interact with friends or new people from various parts of the world.