Interaksi Virtual Anak dalam Game Online di Warung Internet Kota Medan

Abstract

The purposes of this study are to explore process of children's virtual interaction, factors that endorsed children's virtual interaction through online games, and efforts of parents and families to minimize children's playing online games activities at internet cafes. This research used qualitative research methods and data collection carried out for three months through observation and interviews that were conducted with 8 children ages 6 to 11 as they played online games at internet cafes. Additional interviews were conducted with their parents and families. The findings revealed that firstly, the process of children's virtual interaction seen from formation of family structure and environment because those shaped children's conception about the interaction process in their everyday live. Secondly, the factors that were endorsed children to play online games these were busyness of parents for working, proximity of the homes with internet cafes, influence of peers who played online games, and parental divorces. Thirdly efforts that parents and families can do to minimize the children's playing online games activities aregiving special attention in terms of child care and love by not giving the childcare to others, and lowering the rate of parental divorce.