IMPACT OF GADGETS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN IN PLAKARAN VILLAGE
Authors: saputra Adit 
Published: June 2022

In today's era technology is developing rapidly, many technologies are increasingly sophisticated. Everyone can get information quickly and up-to-date, communicate remotely, and exchange information more easily. One form of technological development that we have often encountered is a gadget, the price is already affordable making it easy for everyone to have it. Gadgets are electronic devices that have many services from various applications and features to help humans make it easier to do activities and get information, one of the application services available on gadgets includes games, WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and others. Nowadays, almost all people, both small and old, have used gadgets in every activity, especially parents who currently use gadgets as shortcuts as companions and playmates for their children. Parents certainly have good intentions by providing gadgets as a children's play tool, however, if the use of gadgets that are no longer controlled and becomes excessive dependence will later cause many negative impacts on children's growth and development. It should be noted that the most sensitive period of child development is at the age of 1-5 years, as early childhood, so it is often called the golden age. Where at this time all aspects of intellectual development, namely intellectual, emotional, and spiritual intelligence experienced extraordinary development that would influence and determine further developments (Yudrik, Yahya. 2000: 23). Children in this golden age, all the information they get will be absorbed quickly. They will become reliable imitators, smarter than we imagine, smarter than they seem, and become the basis for the formation of character, personality, and cognitive abilities. Excessive use of gadgets, over time, will make children less concerned about the environment around them, become lazier in carrying out activities, and become less concentrated because they will be too focused on the gadgets in their hands. So the term that appears now that "Gadgets bring the far away and keep near". This happens because when a child is engrossed in playing with his gadget, he forgets the time that has become a concept in his life.Gadgets have a big influence on children's development both physically and mentally. Children who habitually use gadgets, cognitively these children will be able to develop their knowledge and thinking skills through games or the features contained in their gadgets. Likewise, with aspects of language development, they will be able to add to the introduction of new vocabulary in their gadgets. However, from the aspect of social development, they will tend to be less social with others due to being busy with gadgets. Furthermore, from the aspect of physical-motor development, there is also a tendency to do fewer activities that involve body movements. Therefore, it is important to understand the influence of gadgets, especially for parents. So that children can be limited in their use and children's developmental power can develop well and become active, intelligent, and interactive children with others.