# Navigating AI in Digital Leisure: A Qualitative Study on Motives, Engagement Challenges, and Psychological Consequences among Urban Youth
> Muhiddin S.

URL kanonis: https://discover.unhas.ac.id/publications/pub_scopus_105047001964
Jurnal / Konferensi: Journal of Asian and African Studies
Tahun terbit: 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/19367244261463488
ISSN: 00219096
Kuartil SJR: Q2
Citations: 0

## Authors
- Muhiddin S.

## Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly embedded in digital leisure platforms, yet limited research has examined the psychological dimensions of user experience within algorithmically curated environments, particularly in non-Western contexts. This study examined how Indonesian youth experience AI-mediated features in digital leisure platforms, focusing on motivations, barriers, and psychosocial impacts. An online open-ended qualitative survey was administered to 115 participants aged 18 to 31 years; inductive thematic analysis yielded 13 themes across three domains. Engagement was primarily motivated by practical convenience and psychological gratification, with social influence as a complementary trigger. Barriers included data security concerns, dissatisfaction with the accuracy of recommendations, self-regulation difficulties, economic constraints, and ethical stigma. Psychosocial impacts were ambivalent: Enhanced ease, enjoyment, identity expression, and social participation coexisted with passive engagement, cognitive shortcuts, and habitual consumption. These findings suggest that AI-mediated digital leisure both empowers and constrains users, carrying implications for policymakers, platform developers, and mental health professionals.

## Keywords
- Psychosocial
- Thematic analysis
- Qualitative research
- Psychology
- Mental health
- Identity (music)
- Applied psychology
- Social psychology
- Ontological security
- Social engagement
- Social media
- Cognition
- Social identity theory
- Social support
- Qualitative property
- Indonesian
- Developmental psychology
- Sociology
- Generativity

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Sumber: Discover Unhas — RIMS Universitas Hasanuddin.
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