Fun Chat with the Class of ’93: “From Campus to Career: Mental Challenges and Opportunities in the Digital Age.”
The Fikom Unpad Alumni Association is hosting a Talkshow titled “Chatting with the Class of ’93 (Whispers of ’93)” with the theme “From Campus to Career: Mental Challenges and Opportunities in the Digital Age” on Friday, June 13, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM WIB at the Postgraduate Auditorium of the Faculty of Communication Sciences, University of Padjadjaran. The event features speakers Hera Laxmi Devi Septiani, Ahmad Nada Kusnendar, Yovineda Brilliano, and Asep Budiman, moderated by Fachrudin Ali Ahmad and Dandi Supriadi, and attended by students from the Faculty of Communication Sciences at Padjadjaran University.
The event began with a speech by Rachmat Tauhid Uno, Chairman of the Fikom 93 Class. He said that you are in the right place on the right track, and that Fikom Unpad, a university with excellent educational quality, will be able to set an example and provide good benefits from what we have learned.
Next, the Dean of Fikom Unpad, Dr. Dadang Rahmat Hidayat, S. Sos., SH., M. Si, said that with spirit and experience in the field, the working world is very important, and with the enthusiasm and quality of today’s students getting better, they have to be more competitive.
The first speaker was Hera Laxmi Devi Septiani, fondly known as Teh Devi. According to Teh Devi, “How can we maintain mental health amid digital overstimulation? After the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a new pandemic that we are unaware of, which has become a major factor in mental health crises, anxiety, depression, and even suicide and traffic accidents in the United States. The Screen Addiction Pandemic (Addiction to digital device screens),” said Teh Devi. According to Teh Devi, by 2025 in Indonesia, the number of smokers will be fewer than smartphone addicts. Ms. Devi also stated, “Screen addiction is the number one most pervasive addiction,” meaning that smartphone addiction is the most widespread and fastest-growing addiction at present. Indonesia is the country with the longest average screen time. “Digital overstimulation is a condition where an individual receives excessive stimulation from digital devices frequently or continuously, causing the brain to become fatigued and unable to function optimally. The effects of overstimulation include concentration and memory disorders, insomnia, mood swings, anxiety, digital burnout, imposter syndrome, FOMO, and poor body image,” she explained. Teh Devi also said that digital detox is the process of reducing or temporarily stopping the use of digital devices such as smartphones, computers, tablets, and social media, with the aim of: 1. Reducing stress and anxiety, 2. Improving sleep quality, 3. Improving concentration and productivity, 4. Strengthening social relationships in the real world, 5. Restoring balance between the digital and real worlds.
Next up was the second speaker, Ahmad Nada Kusnendar, or Kang Nada as he is affectionately known. According to Kang Nada, as communication science students, we are capable of understanding all fields. Kang Nada also said that library science students can become journalists if they understand information management courses. “It would be more fun if we worked according to our hobbies,” he said. Additionally, according to Kang Nada, being involved in organizations helps us develop soft skills that are essential for the workplace.
The third speaker, Yovineda Brilliano, or Kang Yovi as he is fondly known, said that in every aspect of life, we cannot escape digital devices. The world of communication has no boundaries, but we must learn how to communicate effectively. Technological advancements also play a supportive role in the world of communication. Kang Yovi mentioned that if we have our own company, we can expand our reach further. He also emphasized the importance of being able to observe and understand anything, followed by proper planning and conceptualization, and finally, having the courage to try, regardless of the outcome.
The final session featured the fourth speaker, Asep Budiman, who is fondly known as Kang Asep. According to Kang Asep, communication science is an asset in building a company. Marketing is a field that utilizes Communication Studies. As marketers, we must be able to learn the psychology of communication. Additionally, we must be willing to take risks because when we make mistakes, we still have time to evaluate and try again. The field of Communication Studies can penetrate all areas, but it still requires learning and discussion. “The more connections you have, the more opportunities you’ll have,” he said.
The event continued with a question and answer session and ended with the presentation of donations from the Class of 93 alumni and a group photo session. (HS/DM)
