Psychological Trap Behind Online Gambling Due To Advanced Algorithms And Fake Hopes

GoPay Public Discussion About Fighting Online Gambling, Realize A Safe Digital Financial Ecosystem 'Judi Pasti Rugi' (photo: Dinda Buana/VOI)

The rise of online gambling in Indonesia is not only triggered by easy access, but also the psychological impact that is exacerbated by digital technology which is very rapidly developing.

In GoPay's Public Discussion on Fighting Online Gambling, Realize A Safe Digital Financial Ecosystem 'Judi Pasti Rugi', it was revealed that online gambling addiction was not just a matter of behavior, but also the result of a combination of psychological aspects and the use of advanced technology.

In the discussion, the Director General of Information and Public Communication (IKP) of the Ministry of Communication and Informatics, Prabu Revolution, explained that online gambling platforms are now using algorithm technology designed to identify user interests.

As with social media that continues to present content according to interests, online gambling also works in the same way. "The basis is what we like to offer," explained Prabu.

In addition, he also emphasized that this algorithm is also able to manipulate players' psychology by providing "false hopes". For example, players are often given small wins at the start of the game. However, when they start to bet bigger, they will lose more frequently.

From a psychological perspective, online gambling has a serious impact. Addictive behavior arises from the inability of individuals to manage expectations. Because the majority of online gambling players hope to get big profits with small capital, so they are trapped in the game cycle without realizing it.

"If we call this the management of hope, we can no longer manage the hope that we have 100 thousand wants 20 million, we want 100 thousand, it's difficult," said the Director General of Informatics Applications (Aptica) Kominfo, Hokky Situngkir.