In today's digital era, online gaming has transformed into an inseparable part of the lifestyle of the younger generation. Easy accessibility through smartphones and computers has made this activity highly popular. Although often labeled negatively as a waste of time, playing games actually has a significant dimension of benefits if approached wisely.
From a positive perspective, online gaming is effective as a means of relieving stress after a busy daily routine. In addition to improving mood, some types of games are also designed to sharpen cognitive functions. Players are required to concentrate fully, formulate sound strategies, and make crucial decisions in a short time, which indirectly trains problem-solving skills.
In addition to tactical thinking skills, interaction in online games also trains social skills. Through multiplayer features, players can communicate and cooperate with individuals from various regional backgrounds and even across countries. This opens up opportunities for dynamic collaboration and social adaptation in the virtual space.
However, this positive potential is overshadowed by a worrying risk of addiction. The Indonesian Game Industry Ecosystem Map report from the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) notes that the intensity of playing games in the country is relatively high. As many as 49.5 percent of players spend 8 to 14 hours per week on mobile games, while another 25.5 percent even play up to 15 to 21 hours per week.
This condition is reinforced by data from the Digital Addiction Response Assistance (DARA) service, which shows that about 33 to 39 percent of high school students in Indonesia experience moderate to severe game addiction. This figure represents a sharp jump compared to the average global game addiction prevalence, which only ranges from 1.96 to 3 percent of the world population.
Ultimately, online gaming is like a double-edged sword. The resulting impact depends entirely on the maturity of users in managing their time and self-control. When played proportionally, games can be a productive medium for entertainment and self-development without disrupting health and real social life.
