Family And Psychosocial Dynamics Of Adolescents With Problematic Internet Use During A Pandemic: A Case Study

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a rise in internet use among teenagers, largely due to the shift in learning modes from offline to online in line with lockdown (PPKM) rules in Indonesia. In practice, access to the internet extends beyond online learning, but rather for entertainment purposes like games, earning money, or social relations. Excessive internet use has disrupted adolescents' daily activities, whether in their social or professional life — this is also known as problematic internet use. Teenagers with lower self-regulation experience this problem the most. The family also has a role in influencing the environment of children that experience problematic internet use. This research aims to provide an understanding of the dynamics of family and psychosocial development of adolescents experiencing problematic internet use. Using a case study approach, three teenagers aged 11 to 15 were studied. All participants have problematic internet use of varying forms: internet gaming disorder and excessive social media use. Data was taken from April to June of 2022. Results suggest that inconsistent parenting, the lack of supervision from the surrounding environment, and psychosocial problems experienced by teenagers are the largest factors causing problematic internet use.