Reviews of coming-of-age media frequently highlight a "weird disconnect" between fictional portrayals and real-world experiences: Absence of Puberty:
Public discussions around this topic often highlight the importance of "character building" and "decency" (akhlak) within the Indonesian education system.
Adolescents often use media as a tool for identity development, seeking out characters they identify with. However, the nature of this content can have varied effects:
There is often a gap between how media portrays 13-15-year-olds (often played by older actors) and their actual developmental reality, which can affect self-image. 3. Media Literacy and Body Image