Aktivitas Judi Online Dan Dampaknya Terhadap Mahasiswa Kesejahteraan Sosial Fisip USU

Abstract

This research aims to examine online gambling activities and their impact on Social Welfare students of FISIP Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU). The phenomenon of online gambling has become an increasingly worrying social problem in Indonesia, especially among the younger generation, including university students. Data shows that many university students are involved in this activity, which often results in significant financial losses. Ironically, Social Welfare students, who are supposed to act as agents of social change, actually fall into this practice, creating a gap between their theoretical understanding and real behavior. This research uses a qualitative approach with observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentation methods, involving key informants from the study program, students who are directly involved, as well as their close friends and family. The results show that students' involvement in online gambling is triggered by several factors, including economic pressure, the misperception that gambling is an easy source of income, and psychological factors that make gambling an escape from academic stress. The negative impacts include financial loss, psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression, decreased academic performance, and fractured social relationships.This study concludes that online gambling among university students is a complex phenomenon that requires comprehensive interventions from the campus, family, and government, including financial education and counseling services to effectively address this problem.