Gen Z in Indonesia checks their phones an average of 82 times a day—more frequently than their counterparts in India (70), Viet Nam (65), the Philippines (60), and Thailand (55), according to a McKinsey report, reflecting the region’s highest level of digital dependence.
For many young Indonesians, the smartphone has become more than a tool—it’s a lifeline for social connection, entertainment, education, and emotional release in a world that increasingly unfolds through screens.
With mobile internet access becoming more widespread and app usage deepening, everyday experiences—from work to friendships—are migrating online, reshaping how Gen Z relates to space, time, and each other.
But this hyper-connectivity comes at a cost, as mental health experts caution about rising screen fatigue, shortened attention spans, and the challenge of stepping away when the digital world offers both productivity and comfort.
So as push notifications keep buzzing, one question lingers: when was the last time this always-online generation truly disconnected and stayed present in the offline world?
