SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECT OF THE USE OF VIRTUAL REALITY TECHNOLOGY ON TEENAGE SOCIAL INTERACTION IN INDONESIA

This article presents a sociological analysis of the impact of Virtual Reality (VR) technology on adolescent social interaction in Indonesia. As VR adoption grows, particularly among younger demographics, its implications for social behavior, communication patterns, and identity formation warrant critical examination. This study employs theoretical frameworks such as Symbolic Interactionism, Social Exchange Theory, and Technosocial Systems to explore how VR environments mediate face-to-face interactions, foster new online communities, and potentially alter social capital. Data from existing literature, case studies, and observational insights into Indonesian adolescent technology use are synthesized to delineate both the potential benefits, such as expanded social networks and novel communication modalities, and the challenges, including social isolation, digital divide, and the erosion of traditional social cues. The analysis suggests that while VR offers unprecedented opportunities for connection, its uncritical adoption may lead to significant shifts in the fabric of adolescent social life, necessitating a balanced understanding and proactive social policies.