Digital Disconnect: Actor Ciccio Manassero Opens Up About His Struggles with Modern Technology

JAKARTA – In an era defined by rapid digital transformation, where artificial intelligence, seamless fintech integration, and hyper-connected ecosystems have become the bedrock of daily life, one prominent figure in the Indonesian entertainment industry is choosing a decidedly analog path. Actor Ciccio Manassero, widely recognized for his roles in various television series and films, has candidly admitted to being "digitally illiterate" (or gaptek in Indonesian parlance), a confession that has sparked both amusement and curiosity among his fanbase and the public alike.

While the majority of the population relies on smartphones for everything from banking to social interaction, Manassero remains an outlier. His recent public admission highlights a growing, albeit niche, trend of individuals who find themselves alienated by the relentless pace of modern innovation.

The Core Narrative: A Modern Dilemma

The primary revelation came during a recent media appearance in the Senayan area of Central Jakarta on Saturday (July 18, 2026). Manassero, now 30, did not shy away from admitting that he is fundamentally disconnected from the latest digital features and emerging applications that dominate the contemporary landscape.

His technological apathy is not merely a preference; it is an active detachment. In a world where "digital-first" is the mantra of every industry, Manassero’s admission serves as a fascinating case study on the friction between traditional lifestyles and the relentless pressure to stay updated with software ecosystems.

Chronology of a Tech Faux Pas

The most illustrative example of Manassero’s disconnect occurred during a casual outing with fellow actor Jerome Kurnia. The two had been enjoying a meal, and as the bill arrived, the practicalities of splitting the check brought the actor’s lack of digital literacy into sharp focus.

The QRIS Incident

In modern Indonesia, the Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS) has become the gold standard for financial transactions. It is a system so ubiquitous that it is used by street vendors and high-end restaurants alike.

When the time came to settle the bill, Jerome Kurnia, attempting to streamline the process, suggested that Manassero simply scan the QR code to transfer his share. What followed was a moment of technical confusion that left his peer both bewildered and amused.

"Jerome suggested we use QRIS to make the transfer practical and fast," Manassero recounted. "But I didn’t understand the procedure. I opened my phone’s default camera app to scan the code instead of opening my mobile banking application. Obviously, it didn’t work. It’s impossible to process a transaction through the camera lens alone."

This anecdote provides a granular look at how someone outside the digital loop perceives these tools. To a user accustomed to the convenience of mobile banking, the distinction between a camera and an integrated payment gateway is instinctual. To Manassero, the layers of abstraction in modern software remain an enigma.

Supporting Data: The Digital Divide in Indonesia

While Manassero’s case might seem humorous, it touches upon a broader phenomenon. According to recent reports by the Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Information (Kominfo), while internet penetration in Indonesia has surged past 70%, a significant portion of the adult population still faces challenges in navigating complex digital financial services (DFS).

The "Digital Migrant" Demographic

Sociologists often categorize individuals like Manassero as "digital migrants" who, despite living in the digital age, do not intuitively grasp the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design choices that define modern apps.

1. User Interface Complexity: Many banking apps have become increasingly complex, integrating investment portfolios, e-commerce, and utility payments into a single dashboard. For the casual user, this creates "feature fatigue."
2. Cognitive Load: For individuals who do not prioritize digital integration, the mental energy required to remember where specific functions (like the QR scanner) reside within a multi-layered app can feel like an unnecessary burden.
3. The "Minimalist" Counter-Movement: There is a growing global trend toward "digital minimalism," where high-profile individuals purposely downgrade their technological dependency to improve mental clarity. While Manassero characterizes his situation as "tech-illiteracy," it aligns with a growing desire for simplicity.

Official Responses and Perspectives

When asked about his peers’ reactions, Manassero noted that his circle of friends often fluctuates between frustration and amusement. "They are often surprised that I don’t grasp things that are second nature to them," he explained.

However, there is no sense of shame in his admission. Instead, Manassero embraces his status as a "tech-cynic." He admits that he prefers the older, more manual ways of doing things, such as manually typing in a bank account number rather than relying on automated scanning features.

"I have a mobile banking app, but I prefer to just type in the account number manually," he confessed. "When people say, ‘Just scan the QR,’ I get lost. I feel like the technology is moving faster than my interest in learning it."

Furthermore, his preference extends to hardware. In an age where consumers rush to upgrade to the latest flagship devices every year, Manassero remains loyal to older, more functional, and less distracting handsets. He finds comfort in devices that do not bombard the user with constant notifications, software updates, or complex biometric integrations.

Implications: The Future of Digital Inclusion

The implications of this story are twofold: one for the developers of financial technology and another for the broader culture of digital expectation.

The Challenge for Fintech Developers

If even a 30-year-old in the entertainment industry finds current QRIS implementation unintuitive, it suggests a potential gap in UI/UX design. Fintech companies often prioritize speed and efficiency, but they sometimes overlook the "first-time" or "infrequent" user experience. If a user tries to scan a payment code with a camera and fails, the system should ideally provide a prompt or a bridge to the banking app. The fact that the process remains "siloed" within the banking app is a barrier to entry that developers must address to reach the remaining non-digital demographic.

The Cultural Shift

Manassero’s story serves as a reminder that not everyone wishes to live their life through a screen. As the world moves toward a future of augmented reality and hyper-automation, there remains a segment of society that values the physical, the manual, and the simple.

"I’m just more indifferent to technology," he concluded. "I don’t feel the need to be on the cutting edge of every new app that pops up. I’m comfortable being a bit behind."

Conclusion: A Refreshing Authenticity

In a celebrity landscape often characterized by curated social media presences and a desperate need to appear "current," Ciccio Manassero’s admission is, in a way, refreshing. He is not pretending to be a tech-savvy influencer; he is living a life that is unapologetically analog.

Whether this is a genuine limitation or a deliberate lifestyle choice, his experience highlights a vital truth: technological progress is not a universal constant in everyone’s life. As society continues to march forward into a digital-first future, voices like Manassero’s serve as a necessary counterpoint—reminding us that, at the end of the day, a phone is just a tool, and one’s worth is not defined by how quickly they can navigate a QR menu.

For now, the actor continues to navigate his career and personal life with his own brand of "classic" simplicity, leaving the complexities of the digital world to those who find joy in the code. As for his next meal with Jerome Kurnia? One can only hope he’s practiced his manual banking transfers, or at the very least, carries enough cash to avoid the QR dilemma altogether.