The use of technology, including gadgets, should be viewed as a positive innovation that supports daily human life. Therefore, gadgets should not be regarded solely as a source of problems.
However, addictive behavior related to excessive gadget and gaming use has become a global concern. In Indonesia, several serious incidents have occurred as a result of gaming addiction. Below are some reported cases related to gaming addiction in Indonesia between 2016 and 2018.
Cases of Gaming Addiction in Indonesia (2016–2018)
April 7, 2016 – Sleman, Yogyakarta
Three junior high school students in Sleman broke into a kindergarten and stole valuable items to fund their online gaming activities.
March 31, 2017 – Bireuen, Aceh
A 10-year-old child in Aceh resorted to begging at markets and on public roads in order to earn money to play games at internet cafés.
June 2, 2017 – Samarinda, East Kalimantan
A teenager in Samarinda stole a motorcycle and sold its parts to obtain money for online gaming.
January 25, 2018 – Mojokerto, East Java
A 15-year-old junior high school student was diagnosed with primary hypertension due to excessive gaming.
February 28, 2018 – Probolinggo, East Java
A second-grade Islamic junior high school (MTs) student stole IDR 1.7 million in cash and a mobile phone from a resident’s home to finance online gaming.
Physical and Non-Physical Consequences of Gaming Addiction
According to mental health practitioner from Atma Jaya University, Dr. Eva Suryani, SpKJ, the consequences of behavioral addiction can be divided into two categories: physical and non-physical.
Physical Consequences
Individuals who spend excessive time using gadgets or playing games without time limits may experience:
- Obesity
- Injuries due to prolonged gadget use, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
- Sleep disturbances leading to decreased concentration
- Irregular and unhealthy eating patterns
Non-Physical Consequences
Non-physical consequences primarily affect emotional and social well-being, including:
- Deterioration of relationships with family and peers
- Decline in manners and social behavior
- Decreased motivation and learning performance
Signs and Symptoms of Gadget and Gaming Addiction
As reported by Kompas.com, gaming and gadget addiction may present the following symptoms:
1. Repetitive Behavior
A person can be considered addicted when an activity is performed repeatedly with maladaptive patterns that interfere with daily life.
2. Tolerance
Addiction is indicated when an individual requires increasing amounts of time or intensity to achieve the same level of pleasure as before.
For example, gaming initially starts at 30 minutes to relieve stress, but over time may increase to many hours a day—sometimes up to 18 hours—to achieve the same effect.
3. Withdrawal Symptoms
When individuals with behavioral addiction cannot engage in the activity they crave, they may experience withdrawal symptoms.
In the case of gaming addiction, this includes feelings of discomfort, depression, irritability, anger, or emotional outbursts when unable to access games.
To be classified as addiction, these symptoms typically persist for at least two days.
4. Disruption of Daily Functioning
Behavioral addiction interferes with essential life functions.
For example:
- Declining academic performance in students
- Decreasing GPA or even dropping out of college
- Strained relationships with parents and family members
5. Difficulty Controlling Behavior
Individuals with gaming addiction struggle to control their urge to play. Gaming becomes their main life priority, while other responsibilities are neglected.
Even when they are aware of the negative consequences—such as academic failure or job loss—they continue to increase gaming duration, often for over 12 months. This condition is classified as a disorder.
It is important to note that gaming as a hobby is not considered addiction if individuals can manage their time well and maintain normal life functions.
6. Gaming as a Stress Coping Mechanism
Gaming becomes unhealthy when it is used primarily to cope with stress rather than for recreation.
During gaming, dopamine levels in the brain increase dramatically—often higher than those triggered by eating chocolate. Dopamine stimulates pleasure and satisfaction, encouraging repeated behavior.
When dopamine levels drop, individuals feel uncomfortable and seek to raise it again by continuing to play games, reinforcing addiction.
Many cases of gaming and gadget addiction in Indonesia begin as casual experimentation. Recognizing the warning signs early is crucial to prevent serious physical, psychological, and social consequences.
