Written by Jhohanes Baptista Sit, Adelia Helvi, Angela Marischa Goo, and Helena Jesika Adung
MANGGARAI, PENA1NTT.COM – In todays digital era, online gaming has become one of the most popular forms of entertainment among young people.
With the development of smartphones, computers, and internet access, millions of teenagers and children can easily play games anytime and anywhere.
Online games are not only used for entertainment, but also for communication, competition, and social interaction.
Many games provide exciting features such as realistic graphics, multiplayer systems, and rewarding challenges that attract players to spend more time in virtual environments.
However, excessive gaming has become a growing concern in modern society. Some young people spend to much time playing online games and gradually lose control over their daily activities.
According to (Purwaningsih, 2021) online gaming addiction can have a negative impact on adolescent mental health, such as increased stress, anxiety, depression, social isolation, and behavioural disorders due to excessive game use.
Online gaming itself is not always harmful. In moderation, games may improve problem-solving skills, teamwork, and relaxation. When gaming becomes excessive and uncontrollable , it may lead to serious mental health problems.
One reason online games are highly addictive is because game developers design them to keep players engaged for long periods.
Most online games use reward systems such as rankings, achievements, daily missions, and virtual prizes that encourage players to continue playing.
Hen players achieve victory or unlock new levels , they experience satisfaction and excitement that motivate repetitive behaviour.
Another factor is skin of the gun they got.
Many players become addicted because they have got the weapon skin they dream of. This matter also become addiction point for players, because with the weapon skin they become more enthusiastic about playing.
And if their account which has many weapon skins suddenly disappears and is hacked by someone, they will be very stressed and it will damage their mental state.
Gaming addiction can increase anxiety and stress levels among young people. Addicted gamers may feel restless, frustrated, or emotionally uncomfortable when they cannot access games or internet connections.
Competitive games also create pressure because players constantly try to maintain their rankings or defeat opponents.
According to (Boby & Putra, 2022) online game addiction can be a factor that increases anxiety in adolescents, teenagers who play online games excessively tend to experience higher levels of emotional stress, fear, and anxiety than those who are not addicted to online games.
Excessive gaming may also contribute to depression and social isolation. Individuals who spend too much time in virtual environments often reduce direct interaction with family members and friends.
Although online games provide virtual communication, online relationship cannot fully replace real life social connections.
According to (Puspitosari & Ananta, 2009) online gaming addiction can lead to depression and social isolation because addicted players tend to spend more time in the virtual world rather than interacting with their families and society, as a result, social relationship become poor, players feel isolated from their surroundings, and these conditions increase the risk of mental health disorders such as depression.
Sleep disturbance is another serious effect of gaming addiction. Many teenagers stay awake late at night playing games and ignore healthy sleeping habits. Insufficient sleep can negatively affect concentration, memory, mood, and physical health.
Lack of sleep often causes fatigue, reduced academic performance, and difficulty focusing class. According to(Mais et al., 2020) who are addicted to online games often spend excessive time playing and forget to rest or sleep, as a result, they experience sleep problems such as insomnia, difficulty falling asleep, poor sleep quality, and lack of energy during their daily activity.
Some online games contain violent content and intense competition that may influence players behaviour.
Addicted gamers sometimes react aggressively when they lose matches or face interruptions while playing.
They may shout, insult others, or become easily angered because they cannot control their frustration.
According to (Lestari et al., 2018) online gaming addiction can increase aggressive behaviour among adolescents because many online games contain elements of violence, aggression, and intimidation that influence players emotion and behaviour.
Online gaming addiction is not simply a personal problem because its effects can influence education, family relationships, and social development.
Students who are addicted to gaming may experience declining academic achievement, reduce motivation, and poor time management. In addition, parents often struggle to manage children who spend most of their time in front of screens.
Several educational solutions can help reduce the harmful effects of gaming addiction. First, parent should monitor screen time and encourage healthy daily routines.
Second, schools can educate students about mental health awareness and digital literacy. Third, young people should learn self control by balancing gaming with physical activities, social interaction, and adequate rest.
Finally, counselling and psychological support should b available for teenagers who show signs of gamin addiction.
In conclusion, online gaming addiction is a serious issue that can negatively affect mental health, academic performance, and social relationship.
Although online games provide entertainment and social interaction, excessive gaming may lead to anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and aggressive behaviour.
Therefore, awareness, self control, family support and healthy digital habits are essential to prevent the harmful effects of gaming addiction.
