Designing an Interactive Storytelling Website About Emotional Dependency on Partner for Emerging Adulthood

Abstract

Emotional dependency in romantic relationships, particularly among individuals in emerging adulthood, is a growing concern within the context of interpersonal dynamics. This research focuses on designing an interactive storytelling website targeted at young adult women aged 18-25 in Jakarta to enhance their understanding of emotional dependency. Despite its significant impact on mental health and well-being, available information on this topic remains limited and often fails to engage younger audiences. To address this gap, the design process adopted a Human-Centered Design approach, emphasizing user needs and preferences. Data were gathered through literature reviews, interviews, focus group discussions, questionnaires, reference analysis, and examination of existing media. Findings indicate that interactive storytelling is an effective medium for communicating complex issues like emotional dependency. The resulting website offers not only structured insights into the signs and causes of emotional dependency but also practical steps for overcoming it, aiming to provide meaningful support for the target audience.