By Stonewater Recovery · 2 minute read
Fortnite has become all the rage in the last year with 2.4 billion views on YouTube in a single month. With engaging graphics, the desire to acquire new weapons every game, and the epic victory dances, it is no wonder that teenagers everywhere, including yourself, have become obsessed with this online game. While Fortnite may incite a virtual teenage playdate for hours on end, battle royale style, with a 100 of your newest friends, the truth is that playing video games in excess can cause you more problems than it is worth. Here is what you should know. Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center leads the way with progressive, evidence-based programming to most effectively treat each individual adolescent while focusing on the uniqueness of each client. Healing the mind, the body, and the spirit as one in the same can make the biggest difference in staying sober. Call us today to start living in recovery: 662-598-4214Adolescents as young as 9 years old have gone to rehab for a gaming addiction to Fortnite.
If you play endless games of Fortnite, you can easily get addicted to gaming. A gaming addiction starts out as a way to have fun with your friends but can turn into a full on obsession in which you put Fortnite in front of everything you do. Eating, sleeping, going to the bathroom, showering, face to face socialization, physical activity, and studying all become second nature to playing the game with someone who is addicted. Game rage has become more prevalent amongst teens.
When a teenager gets Fortnite taken away from them for overuse, there is a chance that they may get increasingly aggressive and begin to break things, hit their parents, or throw temper tantrums to try and get their game back. Emotional dysregulation and hyperarousal can be brought about through excessive amounts of screen time causing rage when withdrawal from gaming is present. Gaming can cause brain function impairment.
Since you are playing a game where fight or flight is imperative, you are actually putting stress on your brain. With excessive gaming, chronic stress can cause your blood flow to veer away from the part of the brain where your thinking takes place. The blood will instead flow into the part of the brain that is used for survival which causes the nervous system to be consistently negatively affected. Basically, you will have trouble paying attention, following directions, managing your emotions, and diminished creativity. While this may seem to be a little dramatic for just playing a video game, your brain can change tremendously the longer you play. Fortnite gaming may be a fun experience for you to have with your friends, however, limiting your game time and making sure you are holding up your responsibility with homework, chores, and hygiene is also really important. If you think you may have a problem with gaming, you should talk to your parents and ask for help as soon as possible because you are young, resilient, and worth it.
As an avid gamer and enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of video games, particularly Fortnite, I understand the intricacies of the gaming landscape and its potential impacts on individuals, especially teenagers. My expertise extends beyond mere gameplay, delving into the psychological, social, and physiological aspects associated with excessive gaming.
The article touches upon several critical concepts related to the effects of Fortnite and gaming addiction. Let's break down the key points:
-
Popularity of Fortnite: The article mentions Fortnite's immense popularity, with 2.4 billion views on YouTube in a single month. This underscores the game's cultural significance and widespread appeal, particularly among teenagers.
-
Gaming Addiction and Rehabilitation: The article raises the issue of gaming addiction, noting that adolescents as young as 9 years old have sought rehabilitation for their Fortnite addiction. This highlights the severity of the problem and the need for awareness and intervention.
-
Impact on Daily Life: Excessive gaming is portrayed as a potential threat to daily activities. It suggests that gaming can escalate from a leisure activity with friends to a full-fledged obsession, affecting essential aspects of life such as eating, sleeping, socializing, and studying.
-
Game Rage and Aggressive Behavior: The article discusses the phenomenon of "game rage" among teens. When denied access to Fortnite, some teenagers may exhibit aggressive behavior, breaking things, hitting their parents, or throwing tantrums. This emphasizes the emotional and behavioral consequences associated with gaming withdrawal.
-
Brain Function Impairment: The article explores the impact of gaming on brain function, linking the stress of playing a game with a fight-or-flight response. Chronic stress from excessive gaming is said to divert blood flow away from areas associated with cognitive function, potentially leading to difficulties in attention, following directions, emotional management, and creativity.
-
Responsibility and Balance: A crucial piece of advice is given towards the end of the article, emphasizing the importance of limiting game time and maintaining a balance between gaming and responsibilities such as homework, chores, and hygiene.
-
Seeking Help: The article concludes with a call to action, encouraging those who suspect they have a gaming problem to talk to their parents and seek help. It underscores the significance of addressing gaming addiction early on, especially among young individuals.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the potential pitfalls associated with excessive Fortnite gaming, drawing attention to both the immediate and long-term consequences on mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It advocates for responsible gaming practices and encourages individuals to seek help if they believe they are facing gaming-related challenges.
