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Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 114 views

The Alarming Picture of Online Addiction Games in Teenagers in Padang Bulan Village, Medan

Discussion Category: Undergraduate Theses, Education, Journal, Thesis, University, Student, Campus

Introduction

In today's digital age, online games have become an integral part of modern entertainment, with millions of people worldwide engaging in various forms of online gaming. However, the increasing accessibility and popularity of online games have also led to a growing concern about online addiction, particularly among teenagers. This phenomenon has been recognized by the medical world as a serious mental disorder, with significant implications for the health and well-being of young people. In Indonesia, the estimated online game addiction case in students reached 10.15%, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of this issue.

Background

Online games are now more easily accessible through electronic devices that are connected to the internet network. With the development of technology and the increasingly popular online games, addiction to this game is a serious problem that has been recognized by the medical world. According to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, online addiction has been recognized as a mental disorder. In Indonesia, the estimated online game addiction case in students reached 10.15%, showing that this phenomenon was quite significant.

Research Purposes

This study aims to describe the state of online addiction game among teenagers who live in Padang Bulan Village, Medan. Understanding the characteristics and behaviors related to online game addiction in adolescents is very important to design effective interventions in overcoming this problem. The study aims to provide insights into the prevalence, characteristics, and motivations of online game addiction among teenagers in the study area.

Research Methods

This study uses a descriptive approach with a cross-sectional study design. Held in 16 internet cafes in Padang Bulan Village, this study involved 112 respondents chosen by quota sampling method, focusing on internet cafe visitors aged 15 to 19 years. Data collected in the form of primary data through a questionnaire designed to measure the level of online addiction game.

Research Result

From the results of the study, it was found that 17 respondents (15.2%) were declared addicted to online games, while 95 respondents (84.8%) were not indicated as addicts. Among the respondents detected addiction, all are male (100%), with the most aged age of 19 years (29.4%) and the majority are high school/equivalent students (52.9%). Most of them started playing online games at the age of 10 years (64.7%).

In terms of finance, seven respondents who were admitted had pocket money above Rp. 500,000.00. As many as 88.2% of them live with both parents. The most widely played type of games by respondents is MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games) with a percentage of 76.5%. In terms of the use of internet cafe services, 101 respondents (90.2%) claimed to use the service, of which 47.1% of respondents who were adorning to choose a service package for 5 hours.

The main motivation to play online games is to relax (53.6%), shows that many teenagers use games as a way to remove fatigue from the pressures of daily life.

Additional Analysis and Explanation

The results of this study indicate that online addiction game among teenagers in Padang Bulan Village, Medan, is a striking phenomenon, especially among men and high school students. Early age when they start playing shows an early exposure to games, which can contribute to the development of addiction.

The importance of family support can be seen from the fact that most of the respondents who were admitted lived with both parents. This shows that social interaction in the family can play a role in moderating addiction behavior, although it does not fully prevent it.

Teenage motivation to play games as a means of relaxing opens opportunities for more constructive program development. For example, the introduction of interesting alternative activities can reduce dependence on online games and provide other positive experiences for teenagers.

Taking into account this data, it is very important to increase awareness about the negative impacts of online game addiction and provide adequate education about the use of technology in a healthy manner. In addition, collaboration between parents, educators, and authorities can help create a safer and supportive environment for adolescents in accessing online games.

Conclusion

The study highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to address online game addiction among teenagers in Padang Bulan Village, Medan. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the characteristics and behaviors related to online game addiction among adolescents, which can inform the development of effective interventions to prevent and treat this condition. By increasing awareness and providing education about the negative impacts of online game addiction, we can help create a safer and more supportive environment for young people to access online games in a healthy and responsible manner.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Increase awareness: Increase awareness about the negative impacts of online game addiction among teenagers and their families.
Provide education: Provide education about the use of technology in a healthy manner, including the risks and consequences of online game addiction.
Collaborate with parents and educators: Collaborate with parents and educators to create a safer and more supportive environment for adolescents in accessing online games.
Develop alternative activities: Develop alternative activities and programs that can reduce dependence on online games and provide other positive experiences for teenagers.
Monitor and evaluate: Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to prevent and treat online game addiction among teenagers.

By implementing these recommendations, we can help create a safer and more supportive environment for young people to access online games in a healthy and responsible manner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Online Addiction Games in Teenagers

Q: What is online addiction game?

A: Online addiction game refers to the excessive and compulsive use of online games, which can lead to negative consequences for an individual's physical and mental health, relationships, and daily life.

Q: What are the symptoms of online addiction game?

A: The symptoms of online addiction game may include:

Spending excessive amounts of time playing online games
Neglecting responsibilities and daily activities
Feeling anxious or irritable when unable to play online games
Hiding or lying about online gaming habits
Using online games as a way to escape from problems or emotions
Feeling a strong urge to play online games despite negative consequences

Q: Who is at risk of online addiction game?

A: Anyone can be at risk of online addiction game, but teenagers and young adults are particularly vulnerable due to their developing brains and the ease of access to online games.

Q: What are the causes of online addiction game?

A: The causes of online addiction game are complex and multifaceted, but some common factors include:

Easy access to online games
Social pressure and peer influence
Lack of parental supervision and guidance
Mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety
Trauma and stress

Q: How can parents and caregivers help prevent online addiction game?

A: Parents and caregivers can help prevent online addiction game by:

Setting limits and rules for online gaming
Monitoring online activity and setting parental controls
Encouraging physical activity and other hobbies
Modeling healthy behavior and setting a good example
Having open and honest conversations with their child about online gaming

Q: What are the consequences of online addiction game?

A: The consequences of online addiction game can be severe and far-reaching, including:

Negative impact on physical and mental health
Strained relationships with family and friends
Poor academic performance and decreased productivity
Financial problems and debt
Increased risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues

Q: How can online addiction game be treated?

A: Online addiction game can be treated through a combination of therapy, counseling, and support groups. Some effective treatments include:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Family therapy
Support groups, such as Gamers Anonymous
Medications, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications

Q: What can be done to prevent online addiction game in the future?

A: To prevent online addiction game in the future, we can:

Develop and implement effective prevention programs and interventions
Increase awareness and education about online addiction game
Encourage responsible gaming practices and online safety
Support research and development of new technologies and tools to prevent online addiction game

Q: How can I get help if I or someone I know is struggling with online addiction game?

A: If you or someone you know is struggling with online addiction game, there are many resources available to help. Some options include:

National helplines and support hotlines
Online support groups and forums
Local therapists and counselors
Online therapy and counseling services
Support groups, such as Gamers Anonymous

Remember, online addiction game is a serious issue that can have severe consequences. If you or someone you know is struggling, don't hesitate to seek help.