Representasi Krisis Kesehatan Mental Siswa dalam Game Simulasi: Analisis Status Emosi Tense dan Burnt Out pada The Sims

Abstract

Abstrak

Perkembangan game simulasi kehidupan memberikan gambaran realistis mengenai berbagai permasalahan sosial, termasuk kesehatan mental dalam dunia pendidikan. The Sims menghadirkan sistem simulasi emosi yang menunjukkan dampak beban aktivitas dan tugas berlebih terhadap kondisi psikologis karakter. Penelitian ini dilakukan karena meningkatnya kasus stres akademik dan kelelahan mental pada siswa akibat tekanan tugas dan tuntutan pendidikan yang tinggi. Tujuan penelitian adalah mengidentifikasi representasi krisis kesehatan mental siswa dalam game The Sims melalui status emosi stres (tense) dan kelelahan mental (burnt out) sebagai bentuk refleksi masalah pendidikan modern. Metode penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif dengan teknik pengumpulan data melalui observasi gameplay, studi literatur, dan dokumentasi terhadap mekanisme emosi karakter dalam permainan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa sistem simulasi dalam The Sims menggambarkan hubungan antara beban tugas yang berlebihan dengan penurunan kondisi emosional, produktivitas, dan interaksi sosial karakter. Selain itu, permainan juga memperlihatkan pentingnya manajemen waktu, istirahat, dan keseimbangan aktivitas untuk menjaga kesehatan mental. Kesimpulan penelitian menunjukkan bahwa The Sims dapat digunakan sebagai media reflektif dalam memahami dampak tekanan akademik terhadap kesehatan mental siswa serta pentingnya menciptakan lingkungan pendidikan yang lebih seimbang dan suportif.

Kata Kunci: The Sims, Kesehatan Mental, Stress Akademik, Game Edukasi, Pendidikan Siswa

Abstract

The development of life simulation games provides realistic depictions of various social problems, including mental health in the world of education. The Sims presents an emotion simulation system that demonstrates the impact of excessive activity and task burdens on the psychological condition of characters. This research was conducted due to the increasing cases of academic stress and mental exhaustion among students as a result of task pressure and high educational demands. The research aim is to identify the representation of students' mental health crises in The Sims through the emotional status of stress (tense) and mental fatigue (burnt out) as a form of reflection on modern educational problems. The research method uses a descriptive qualitative approach with data collection techniques through gameplay observation, literature studies, and documentation of character emotion mechanisms in the game. The results show that the simulation system in The Sims depicts the relationship between excessive task burdens and a decline in the emotional condition, productivity, and social interaction of characters. Furthermore, the game also demonstrates the importance of time management, rest, and activity balance to maintain mental health. The research concludes that The Sims can be used as a reflective medium for understanding the impact of academic pressure on students' mental health, as well as the importance of creating a more balanced and supportive educational environment.

Keyword: The Sims, Mental Health, Academic Stress, Educational Game, Student Education