A psychology professor advocates for Fortnite. There is no reason for moral panic, he says. The professor compares Fortnite to the Beatles. He sees no addiction or violence risk for children in Fortnite.
Who is speaking? The psychology professor Chris Ferguson teaches at the US university “Stetson University” in Florida. He specializes in violence in media and video games.
Fortnite with cartoon violence: According to Ferguson, many parents are worried whether Fortnite causes problems for their children. There is a story circulating about a 9-year-old girl who wet herself because she couldn’t stop playing Fortnite. Such anecdotes worry people.
Violent games reduce violence, studies say
No reason to worry: Ferguson compares the fear of Fortnite to the panic about Pokémon GO in 2016. Many were also worried that the game could dangerously change society. But nothing of the sort happened.
Video game violence reduces real violence: The professor cites a report from 2002. It states that playing shooters reduces violent tendencies rather than increasing them (Link to the study). The countries where the most violent games are played are among the most peaceful in the world, like Japan or South Korea.
No need to worry: According to the professor, there is no need to worry about the action in Fortnite. It is possible that a small number of players may “overdose” and play too much. But this applies to various activities such as work, training, eating, and sex. There are even studies about dance addiction.
Fortnite releases dopamine like food – not like meth
No addiction: There is also no evidence of an epidemic or addiction. Misinformation is circulating that video games release dopamine like cocaine. While this is technically true, petting a cat also releases dopamine. Video games release dopamine at a similar level as food or sex, about 100-200 percent above normal levels. Cocaine increases the level by 350% and meth by 1200%.
50 years ago, people were afraid of the Beatles
Fortnite is the new Beatles: According to the professor, Fortnite is no more a problem for youth than the Beatles were in 1964. It is common for new technology to be viewed with skepticism. People used to believe that comic books were responsible for homosexuality and that Ozzy Osbourne encouraged suicide. It is time for society to evolve. This panic only distracts from the real problems in society.
Here is the contrast to the laid-back professor:
