The Rise of Internet Cafe Industry in the Digital Era

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 110 views

The Rise of Internet Cafe Industry in the Digital Era

In the current digital era, the internet has become a source of information that is very easily accessible to the public. Starting from science, news, to entertainment, the internet has also transformed into social media inherent in daily lifestyle. The use of the internet now includes various groups, regardless of profession, social status, education, or age. The high enthusiasm of the public to internet information services provides opportunities for entrepreneurs to open an internet shop business (internet cafe). However, with the increasing number of users, competition in the internet cafe industry is also getting tougher. In this context, an attractive phenomenon emerged among internet cafe entrepreneurs who used dramaturgy techniques to attract customer attention and gain profits.

The Use of Dramaturgy Techniques in Internet Cafe Industry

The use of dramaturgy techniques by internet cafe entrepreneurs, especially in Gaperta Village, Medan, is in the spotlight. They provide various facilities that seem excessive for customers who actually only need access to information. These facilities include VIP rooms and closed rooms designed to provide extra comfort. Ironically, behind the provision of these facilities, there are negative content, such as access to adult sites and porn files provided by the operator. This shows that internet cafe entrepreneurs are sometimes more concerned with profits than social responsibility.

The Mismatch Between Outer Image and Activities

Through descriptive qualitative research, the authors analyze how internet cafe entrepreneurs operate in a fierce competition. Data collection methods include observations and in-depth interviews with entrepreneurs, employees, and customers. The results revealed that there was a mismatch between the outer image of the internet cafe and the activities that occur in it. From the outside, internet cafes look like other public places, but inside there are facilities that are designed to support activities that should not be carried out, such as accessing negative content.

The Dark Side of Internet Cafe Business Operations

VIP room facilities provided are not only for comfort, but also provide space for customers to carry out unethical activities. These rooms are designed in such a way that customers feel comfortable and free, similar to being in the inn. When entrepreneurs use this strategy, they are actually running dramaturgy, where they create a positive image outside while hiding the dark side of their business operations.

The Moral Dilemma of Internet Cafe Entrepreneurs

In dealing with increasingly fierce competition, internet cafe entrepreneurs must face a moral dilemma. On the one hand, they want to get the maximum profit, but on the other hand, they have the responsibility to provide safe and positive services for the community. This phenomenon shows that although the digital market is very profitable, it is important for entrepreneurs to stick to the principles of ethics and social responsibility.

The Need for Sustainable Business Models

With the increasing public awareness of the importance of quality information, internet cafe entrepreneurs need to rethink their business models. Providing positive facilities and supporting education will be more sustainable than being tempted to offer adverse content. In the future, internet cafes should be a place that is not just internet access, but also a source of knowledge that educates and empowering the community.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the use of dramaturgy techniques by internet cafe entrepreneurs in Gaperta Village, Medan, is a phenomenon that requires attention. The mismatch between the outer image and activities, the dark side of business operations, and the moral dilemma faced by entrepreneurs are all issues that need to be addressed. By providing positive facilities and supporting education, internet cafe entrepreneurs can create a sustainable business model that benefits both the community and the industry as a whole.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Internet cafe entrepreneurs should prioritize providing positive facilities and supporting education over offering adverse content.
The government and regulatory bodies should establish clear guidelines and regulations for the internet cafe industry to ensure that entrepreneurs operate in a responsible and ethical manner.
The community should be aware of the importance of quality information and support internet cafe entrepreneurs who prioritize providing positive services.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations that should be noted. Firstly, the study was conducted in a specific location, Gaperta Village, Medan, and may not be generalizable to other locations. Secondly, the study relied on descriptive qualitative research methods, which may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon. Finally, the study did not explore the impact of dramaturgy techniques on the community, which is an area that requires further research.

Future Research Directions

Future research should explore the impact of dramaturgy techniques on the community, including the effects on children and adolescents who may be exposed to adverse content. Additionally, research should investigate the role of government and regulatory bodies in establishing clear guidelines and regulations for the internet cafe industry. Finally, research should examine the effectiveness of sustainable business models in the internet cafe industry and identify best practices for entrepreneurs to follow.

Q: What is dramaturgy in the context of internet cafe industry?

A: Dramaturgy in the context of internet cafe industry refers to the use of techniques to create a positive image or atmosphere that hides the true nature of the business operations. This can include providing excessive facilities, such as VIP rooms, to attract customers and create a sense of luxury.

Q: Why do internet cafe entrepreneurs use dramaturgy techniques?

A: Internet cafe entrepreneurs use dramaturgy techniques to attract customers and gain profits. By creating a positive image and atmosphere, they can differentiate themselves from competitors and attract customers who are looking for a unique experience.

Q: What are the negative consequences of dramaturgy techniques in internet cafe industry?

A: The negative consequences of dramaturgy techniques in internet cafe industry include the provision of adverse content, such as access to adult sites and porn files, which can harm customers and undermine the reputation of the business.

Q: How can internet cafe entrepreneurs create a sustainable business model?

A: Internet cafe entrepreneurs can create a sustainable business model by prioritizing the provision of positive facilities and supporting education. This can include providing access to quality information, educational resources, and other positive services that benefit the community.

Q: What role can the government and regulatory bodies play in regulating the internet cafe industry?

A: The government and regulatory bodies can play a crucial role in regulating the internet cafe industry by establishing clear guidelines and regulations that ensure entrepreneurs operate in a responsible and ethical manner.

Q: How can the community support internet cafe entrepreneurs who prioritize providing positive services?

A: The community can support internet cafe entrepreneurs who prioritize providing positive services by being aware of the importance of quality information and supporting businesses that provide positive facilities and services.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including the reliance on descriptive qualitative research methods, the focus on a specific location, and the lack of exploration of the impact of dramaturgy techniques on the community.

Q: What are the future research directions for this study?

A: Future research directions for this study include exploring the impact of dramaturgy techniques on the community, investigating the role of government and regulatory bodies in regulating the internet cafe industry, and examining the effectiveness of sustainable business models in the internet cafe industry.

Q: What are the implications of this study for internet cafe entrepreneurs and the community?

A: The implications of this study for internet cafe entrepreneurs and the community are that entrepreneurs should prioritize providing positive facilities and supporting education, and the community should be aware of the importance of quality information and support businesses that provide positive services.

Q: What are the recommendations for internet cafe entrepreneurs and the community based on this study?

A: The recommendations for internet cafe entrepreneurs and the community based on this study are that entrepreneurs should prioritize providing positive facilities and supporting education, and the community should support businesses that provide positive services and be aware of the importance of quality information.

Q: What are the conclusions of this study?

A: The conclusions of this study are that the use of dramaturgy techniques by internet cafe entrepreneurs in Gaperta Village, Medan, is a phenomenon that requires attention, and that internet cafe entrepreneurs should prioritize providing positive facilities and supporting education to create a sustainable business model.