Social Constructs of Adolescent Online Game Addicts in Makassar City

Abstract

Online games that are played excessively can cause addiction for the players. These negative impacts in terms of health include weight loss, obesity, visual disturbances, spinal pain, disruption of sleep patterns to psychological impacts. This research aimed to explore the causes of online game addiction behavior among teenagers in Makassar City. This research used a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach. data collected by in-depth interviews, participatory observation and focus group discussions on several adolescent of 13-18 years old who have been netted and determined based on purposive sampling technique. The results showed that the parents have an important role in shaping online game addiction behavior in adolescents by facilitating and providing support for children to play games for a relatively long time. Beside that, online game addiction behavior is influenced by the environment and children's motivation to make new friends and relationships.