Dear Alicia,
I’m really worried about you. At school today, you looked SO exhausted. You even fell asleep at your desk. I think I know why: You’ve been staying up playing Fortnite. I hope that after reading my letter, you’ll consider giving it up.
First of all, the game is addictive. Research shows that multiplayer online video games like Fortnite and World of Warcraft are more likely to be played excessively than other games. Every time you lose, you think: Just one more game. And before you know it, it’s 4 a.m., your eyes are bloodshot, your hands are cramping, and you’re still foraging in Fatal Fields or scheming in Dusty Divot.
But staying up all night isn’t good for you. Kids our age need about nine hours of sleep to stay healthy and do well in school. It’s not surprising that since Fortnite became popular, some teachers have been complaining that more students are showing up to school tired and groggy. I know Fortnite is fun, but is it worth compromising your health and your grades?
And what about your friendships? Last Saturday when I came over to hang out, you spent the whole time playing Fortnite. You didn’t even talk to me. Not cool.
You know what else isn’t cool? Violence. I know the violence in Fortnite isn’t graphic—that there’s no blood or guts—but the whole point of the game is to kill people. Why do millions of people find that entertaining? I mean, you can even do a dance after you kill someone. You’re not an insensitive person, Alicia, and I am not saying that Fortnite could make you cruel or violent, but consider this: During a time when we are surrounded by so much violence in the real world, do we really want our entertainment to be filled with violence too?
Even if you decide to keep playing, I hope that you’ll reflect on what I’ve written and consider at least cutting back. Please know this is all because I care about you!
Your friend,
Jeremy