Parents Fighting Against "Brainrot" Content Consumed by Children on Social Media

JAKARTA — Children’s dependence on smartphones and gadgets is becoming an increasingly significant concern for parents amid the rapid development of social media and digital content.

Behind the seemingly entertaining screens lie potential threats in the form of age-inappropriate content exposure, which is feared to hamper child development and trigger emotional problems.

This concern aligns with the government’s plans through the Ministry of Communication and Digital Technology (Komdigi) to restrict children under 16 years old from owning and using social media accounts and high-risk digital platforms.

For Zaki (35), a father of a 10-year-old son currently in third grade, this policy represents a measure he has long awaited.

As a parent, Zaki admitted to being exhausted by the onslaught of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content that he believes provides negative stimulation to his child, or what is commonly referred to as “brainrot,” which his son consumes through social media.

“I really agree and support this policy. To be honest, this is actually a rule I have been waiting for a long time. Because if I’m not mistaken, some other countries have already implemented it, like Australia,” Zaki told Kompas.com.

Zaki believes that children, particularly those still underage, do not yet possess the ability to filter the information they consume on the internet.

According to him, the proliferation of fictional content created with AI technology nowadays often lacks educational value and instead has the potential to cause negative impacts on child development.

Although he does not object to his son watching animation, according to him, such content should have clear educational value.

“In my opinion, it would be better if I just bought him quality shows instead, even if it’s cartoons like Boboiboy or Upin Ipin, that’s fine compared to watching brainrot,” he added.

On the other hand, Zaki believes that social media algorithms are indeed designed to keep users engaged in consuming content for extended periods. He considers this dangerous for children who do not yet have the ability to control themselves.

“Even we adults sometimes lose track of time late at night wanting to sleep and end up scrolling for an extra one or two hours, let alone children. They cannot set limits for themselves, and when we take their phone away, they throw tantrums,” said Zaki.