Jakarta, Indonesia – 2024.
What began as a minor argument over a mobile login spiraled into one of the most alarming family incidents Indonesia has seen this year.
A teenager’s emotional breakdown after losing access to his online account has sparked a nationwide discussion about digital dependency, parenting, and the fragile line between technology and emotion.
When a Login Becomes an Identity
The case centered around a 19-year-old who had spent months building his status in a mobile trading and gaming application. His father, concerned about his declining academic performance and constant online activity, decided to disable the account temporarily.
For the son, the move was not just about losing a game — it meant losing a world where he felt valued.
A family friend told local media, “He wasn’t angry at first — he was lost. That app was where he felt powerful.”
The Psychology of Digital Dependency
Mental health professionals say this incident highlights the emotional depth of online identities among youth.
According to Dr. Dwi Larasati, a psychologist from the University of Indonesia:
“For some young people, online recognition replaces real-world validation. Losing access to a digital platform can feel like personal rejection.”
She added that many parents underestimate how much self-worth children attach to mobile devices and apps — especially in competitive digital spaces like trading or gaming.
A Warning for Modern Families
Authorities investigating the case noted that there were no previous records of domestic conflict or aggression in the household.
The issue, experts believe, was communication breakdown — an inability for both sides to understand the emotional weight attached to technology.
Community workers in Jakarta have since launched family workshops on digital awareness, teaching parents how to discuss online behavior without confrontation.
One counselor explained:
“Deleting an app might seem small, but if it’s connected to someone’s identity, it feels like erasing part of their world.”
The Wider Problem
Indonesia, like much of Southeast Asia, is experiencing a surge in cases related to digital addiction. A 2024 study by the Ministry of Communication found that over 60% of young adults spend more than six hours daily on mobile apps, many of which involve competitive or high-stakes systems.
Experts warn that without stronger emotional education, digital frustration can evolve into isolation, anxiety, and uncontrolled anger.
From Conflict to Awareness
In the wake of this case, schools and youth centers across Jakarta have begun introducing “digital well-being sessions”, where teenagers learn about emotional balance, financial awareness, and online responsibility.
What started as a single household conflict is now driving change — a movement toward better understanding between generations divided by technology.