The Effect of Online Mobile Legend Game in Indonesia (Case Study Online Game Players)

Abstract

Nowadays, playing games can be easily done by anyone, anytime, and anywhere. You unneeded a high-spec computer or laptop; even with a gadget, it can already be accomplished. One viral game now is the online mobile game "Mobile Legends." It is so popular that almost all segments of society are playing this game, which naturally has impacts that need to be considered. This research results from an umbrella study conducted at the Faculty of Psychology, University of Muhammadiyah Malang, to find factors influencing playing online games and examine their impacts. The research methodology employs a qualitative case study approach, and data collection techniques involve interviews, observations, and documentation. The research subjects consist of three active players of "Mobile Legends," teenagers and young adults residing in Malang. The research findings indicate that playing this game can lead to increased consumer behaviour, impulsiveness, narcissism, aggression, procrastination, and game addiction. Furthermore, maladaptive behaviours emerge, such as stealing, lying, and disrupting daily activities like forgetting to eat, neglecting religious practices, and studying. Apart from psychological impacts, this game also affects players' physical health, causing red eyes, decreased concentration, frequent headaches, and even typhoid fever. The research also discovers that playing this game can serve as a coping mechanism for individuals facing personal problems. The game also brings about positive impacts, including fostering a sense of competition, enhancing problem-solving skills, generating happiness, boosting motivation, and expanding one's online social circle.