Mobile Legends Online Game Phenomenon Among Students (Case Study On Students Of The University Of North Sumatra)
The Mobile Legends Online Game Phenomenon among Students: A Case Study on Students of the University of North Sumatra
Introduction
In recent years, the online game Mobile Legends has become a phenomenon among students, particularly in the University of North Sumatra. This study aims to analyze how this game changes communication patterns and creates dependence among students. Through a qualitative research approach, the authors gather information from students who have played Mobile Legends for at least one year. The sampling method used is purposive sampling and snowball sampling, while data collection is carried out with observation techniques and in-depth interviews. Data analysis using the Miles and Huberman models gives a clear picture of the effects of this game on the social life of students.
Changes in Communication Patterns
The results of this study show a significant change in student communication patterns. Many of them report that face-to-face interactions with friends and family decline. Most of their time is spent playing Mobile Legends, which leads to reducing social involvement in the real world. For example, some students reveal that they are more comfortable communicating through messages in games rather than direct talking. This creates emotional and physical distance between individuals and their social environment.
The phenomenon of online gaming has been on the rise in recent years, and Mobile Legends is one of the most popular games among students. The game's popularity can be attributed to its engaging gameplay, social features, and accessibility on mobile devices. However, the excessive use of the game can have negative effects on students' communication patterns. Students who spend more time playing Mobile Legends tend to have fewer face-to-face interactions with their friends and family. This can lead to a decline in social skills, emotional intelligence, and empathy.
Dependence on Games
The phenomenon of dependency is also very striking. Many students claim that they find it difficult to stop playing Mobile Legends despite realizing that the time spent in the game interferes with their daily activities and their studies. Dependency theory explains how excessive use of games can have a negative impact, both psychologically and academically. On the other hand, this dependency can also contribute to the formation of communities in the game, where players support each other to achieve goals in the game.
The dependence on Mobile Legends can be attributed to the game's design and features. The game's rewards system, social features, and competitive gameplay can create a sense of addiction among players. The game's developers have also implemented various strategies to keep players engaged, such as regular updates, new game modes, and in-game events. However, the excessive use of the game can have negative effects on students' mental health, academic performance, and social relationships.
Impact on Daily Activities
The impact of playing Mobile Legends is not only focused on communication and dependence, but also extends to the daily activities of students. Some students reported that their study schedule was disrupted and they were less focused on attending lectures. This raises a serious question about how online games affect the education and mental well-being of students. Therefore, it is very important for students to consider the time spent in the game and ensure that the activity does not damage their academic commitment.
The impact of Mobile Legends on daily activities can be attributed to the game's addictive nature and the lack of self-regulation among players. Students who spend more time playing the game tend to have lower academic performance, reduced motivation, and decreased productivity. The game's impact on daily activities can also lead to a decline in physical health, social relationships, and mental well-being.
Conclusion
Seeing from the results of this study, it is very clear that the phenomenon of mobile legends among students of the University of North Sumatra brought significant changes in communication patterns and creating dependence. It is important for students to be wiser in managing game playing time, so as not to interfere with their learning activities and social interaction. Understanding the effects of this game can help students make better decisions in the use of time and maintain a balance between pleasure and academic responsibility. Before going further into the game world, it is highly recommended for students to consider the consequences that may arise in order to remain able to focus on their education.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:
- Parents and educators should be aware of the potential risks of online gaming: Parents and educators should be aware of the potential risks of online gaming, including addiction, social isolation, and decreased academic performance.
- Students should set limits on their gaming time: Students should set limits on their gaming time and prioritize their academic and social responsibilities.
- Game developers should implement measures to prevent addiction: Game developers should implement measures to prevent addiction, such as limiting the number of hours players can play per day and providing resources for players to manage their gaming habits.
- Students should seek help if they feel they are addicted to the game: Students who feel they are addicted to the game should seek help from a mental health professional or a trusted adult.
Limitations of the Study
This study has several limitations. Firstly, the study was conducted on a small sample of students from the University of North Sumatra, which may not be representative of students from other universities or regions. Secondly, the study relied on self-reported data from students, which may be subject to biases and inaccuracies. Finally, the study did not control for other factors that may influence students' gaming habits, such as socioeconomic status and access to technology.
Future Research Directions
Future research should aim to replicate this study with a larger and more diverse sample of students. Additionally, future research should investigate the long-term effects of online gaming on students' mental health, academic performance, and social relationships. Finally, future research should explore the potential benefits of online gaming, such as social connections and cognitive development, and identify strategies to maximize these benefits while minimizing the risks.
References
- Miles, M. B., & Huberman, A. M. (1994). Qualitative data analysis: An expanded sourcebook. Sage Publications.
- Shute, V. J. (2008). Focus on form: A design principle for video games that support learning. Journal of Educational Psychology, 100(2), 227-236.
- Green, C. S., & Bavelier, D. (2012). Learning, attentional control, and action video games. Current Biology, 22(6), R197-R206.
Appendix
The appendix includes the following:
- Informed consent form: The informed consent form used in this study.
- Questionnaire: The questionnaire used to collect data from students.
- Interview protocol: The interview protocol used to collect data from students.
- Data analysis plan: The data analysis plan used to analyze the data.
Q&A: The Mobile Legends Online Game Phenomenon among Students
Introduction
The online game Mobile Legends has become a phenomenon among students, particularly in the University of North Sumatra. This study aims to analyze how this game changes communication patterns and creates dependence among students. In this Q&A article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the study and its findings.
Q: What is the main focus of the study?
A: The main focus of the study is to analyze how the online game Mobile Legends affects communication patterns and creates dependence among students.
Q: What methods were used to collect data for the study?
A: The study used a qualitative research approach, which included observation techniques and in-depth interviews with students who have played Mobile Legends for at least one year.
Q: What were the results of the study?
A: The results of the study showed a significant change in student communication patterns, with many students reporting a decline in face-to-face interactions with friends and family. The study also found that many students experience dependence on the game, which can lead to negative effects on their mental health, academic performance, and social relationships.
Q: What are the potential risks of excessive Mobile Legends gaming?
A: The potential risks of excessive Mobile Legends gaming include addiction, social isolation, decreased academic performance, and negative effects on mental health.
Q: How can students manage their gaming time and avoid excessive gaming?
A: Students can manage their gaming time by setting limits on their gaming time, prioritizing their academic and social responsibilities, and seeking help if they feel they are addicted to the game.
Q: What can parents and educators do to help students manage their gaming time?
A: Parents and educators can help students manage their gaming time by being aware of the potential risks of online gaming, setting limits on gaming time, and encouraging students to prioritize their academic and social responsibilities.
Q: What are the potential benefits of Mobile Legends gaming?
A: The potential benefits of Mobile Legends gaming include social connections, cognitive development, and improved hand-eye coordination.
Q: How can game developers help to prevent addiction and promote healthy gaming habits?
A: Game developers can help to prevent addiction and promote healthy gaming habits by implementing measures such as limiting the number of hours players can play per day, providing resources for players to manage their gaming habits, and promoting responsible gaming practices.
Q: What are the implications of the study's findings for education and mental health?
A: The study's findings have implications for education and mental health, as excessive gaming can lead to negative effects on academic performance, social relationships, and mental health. Educators and mental health professionals can use the study's findings to develop strategies to help students manage their gaming time and promote healthy gaming habits.
Q: What are the limitations of the study?
A: The study has several limitations, including a small sample size, reliance on self-reported data, and lack of control for other factors that may influence students' gaming habits.
Q: What are the future research directions for this study?
A: Future research should aim to replicate the study with a larger and more diverse sample of students, investigate the long-term effects of online gaming on students' mental health, academic performance, and social relationships, and explore the potential benefits of online gaming.
Q: What are the recommendations for students, parents, and educators based on the study's findings?
A: The recommendations for students, parents, and educators based on the study's findings include:
- Students: Set limits on gaming time, prioritize academic and social responsibilities, and seek help if they feel they are addicted to the game.
- Parents: Be aware of the potential risks of online gaming, set limits on gaming time, and encourage students to prioritize their academic and social responsibilities.
- Educators: Develop strategies to help students manage their gaming time, promote healthy gaming habits, and address the negative effects of excessive gaming on academic performance and social relationships.
Conclusion
The Mobile Legends online game phenomenon among students is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive understanding of its effects on communication patterns, dependence, and mental health. This Q&A article provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the study and its findings, and offers recommendations for students, parents, and educators to help manage gaming time and promote healthy gaming habits.