1. Psychologically- Many people who play video games too much suffer from depression and low-self esteem. They may realize that they are playing too much and that will cause them to feel guilt, or a sense that they cannot control how much they play. They also may become obsessed with maintaining their progress or success. This becomes a serious problem when depression increases as someone might feel like playing video games is their only escape option. This may be the most serious symptom as poor psychological health and depression can effect most of the other effects listed.
- Fortnite's effect on a gamer psychological health- There have been several cases now of people becoming hospitalized from playing too much Fortnite. There was a case in the UK where a 9 year old girl was hospitalized and then sent to rehab from playing the game too much. She was so obsessed that she neglected to stop playing the game to use the bathroom. Her parents intervened after a series of charges to their card for in game purchases and finding her sitting on the floor soaked in urine. This may be one of the most serious cases I've ever seen. She is a full blown addict and is suffering from all problem areas described below. I have personally seen this on a less extreme level where I would not hear from a friend for awhile and then hear from another friend that they are "obsessed with Fortnite".
2. Physical health and hygiene- This one is kind of obvious, but people who play video games too much often neglect their physical health and personal hygiene. This consists of not getting enough exercise, eating unhealthy snacks while gaming, and lacking hygiene such as regularly brushing teeth or showering.
- Fortnite's effect on physical health and hygiene- Through my research to determine if Fortnite causes worse physical health and hygiene then other video games I could not find anything. People eat just as unhealthy no matter what video game they play.
3. Family or friends- Video game addiction can tear families apart or distance a child's relationship with their parents. It can also cause you too lose friendships. As someone gets sucked into the game they become much more distant with the ones they are close too, just like any other addiction. A parent may try to intervene, which done incorrectly can make the family situation even worse. This often comes from a misunderstanding from both sides.
- Fortnite's effects on family and friends- Due to the abundance of news articles warning parents about the dangers of their kids playing Fortnite it is safe to say that this game is hurting more families and friendships then your typical video game. Players are spending less time with family and friends then your average video game and are becoming increasingly reactive to when family and friends they to take the game away. Children typically have temper tantrums. Marriages are falling apart as well with over 200 divorce's having Fortnite listed as a reason in the U.K. alone.
4.Financial- intense gamer's do not consider the financial effects when it comes to continually upgrading your gaming equipment, buying new games, or constantly purchasing in game items, you are going to be financially unstable.
- Fortnite's effect on Financials- Fortnite is the first game of this popularity where downloading the game is free and their revenue structure is based on driving in game purchases. Forbes magazine revealed that 69% of Fortnite players have spent over $85 before its first year of existence. This is a number that will just continue to rise. Players are spending more on this then they would spend on a popular release where prices of new released games are typically about $60-$70. I personally have felt the financial effects as I always purchase the $10 battle pass for each season along with a few "must have" items from the item shop which typically cost between $5-$20.
5.School or Work- What ever level of education you are currently in, playing too much video games can negatively effect your success. Students may put off homework, rush through homework, play during class, or skip classes all of which reduce the students learning. The same goes for work, people may take sick days, leave early or neglecting to get a job in order to play their favorite game.
- Fortnite's effect on School and Work- Not only is Fortnite a destraction from school and becoming banned from students playing on their mobile phones or on school computers it is also been used as a form of bullying. The coined Fortnite dance called "Take The L" is being used by children as a way to taunt other students, and pretty much calling whom ever its targeted at a loser. This has also caused an elementary school near Boston to ban dance moves learned by children by playing Fortnite. I personally have felt conflicted between whether I should get my homework done or put it off to play this game. Luckily my school work has not been impacted and I always resist the urge.
6.Interpersonal Impact- The more time someone spends playing a video game the less time they are interacting with others outside of gaming. This causes serious problems in socializing face to face because they only interact with others through their game counsel. Having online friends may put the gamer in denial that they are lacking a social life.
- Fortnite's interpersonal impact- Fortnite's cross-platform capability is a major cause of this game causing its players to lack interpersonal experiences. Fortnite has now made it where almost all gaming platforms are able to play in the same game. This means that for friends who have different counsels can still connect through the Fortnite server and play together. Because the game is free anyone who has a gaming a approved counsel can play the game. This combination of a free download and the connectivity with other gaming counsels have made it extremely easy for players to interact with others online and not feel like they are missing out outside of the virtual wold.
How to Prevent/Controll Fortnite Addiction
- Set boundaries on how long to play, and what times are appropriate to play.
- Keep Fortnite away from school and work so it won't effect your education or career.
- Set a limit for how much you spend in the game. This doesn't have to be $0 as long as it doesn't hurt you financially. I made the rule to only spend the $10 a season for the Battle Pass because it makes the game more interactive. I feel this is appropriate.
- Realize that your family and friends are more important then the game. Family member's or friend's of Fortnite addicts need to take some responsibility explaining how their game-play is affecting them in a manner that does not come off as aggressive to the Fortnite addict.
- Get outside or encourage other to get outside and get active. Exercise is a great way to clear your head.
- Find something a new hobby or help the Fortnite addict find a new hobby.
- Finally, show them that your care and that you now understand what they're going through. If you are the addict to not be afraid to seek help from the ones that care about you.
I hope that servers at a tool to help diagnose video game addiction, how Fortnite may be causing this issue, and how to prevent or control this behavior from happening.
Please comment or contact me below with your own experiences or someone close to you. I understand the seriousness of this issue and a good dialog can further help someone in need.
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