Fortnite Cited In 200 Divorces This Year
Is this World of Warcraft all over again? Everyone and their mother is playing the addictive battle royale-style game this year, and apparently it's putting UK marriages to the test in a big way. That's right, the 200 divorces listing Fortnite as a cause for separation all happened in the UK in one year. These were all handled by one website, Divorce Online, so there could hundreds or thousands more in the UK and worldwide!
"Addiction to drugs, alcohol and gambling have often been cited as reasons for relationship breakdowns but the dawn of the digital revolution has introduced new addictions. These now include online pornography, online gaming and social media, so it is no surprise to us that more and more people are having relationship problems because of our digital addictions."
-a spokesperson for Divorce Online
The World Health Organization lists gaming disorder as a proper mental health condition now. According to their website, it's characterized by "impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other interests and daily activities, and continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences". Does that sound like someone you know? Experts recommend cognitive behavioral therapy, counseling and psychotherapy, wilderness therapy, 12-step programs, and medication. It's a lot more serious than we thought!
Divorce Online one of the largest filers of divorce petitions in the UK, but they're not alone, so there must be several more cases of Fortnite fatigue breaking people up in the UK. What about divorces abroad? How many couples worldwide are being torn apart by Fortnite? There are over 125 million registered players worldwide, guys. Your relationship could be next!
