The effects of frequency of Fortnite-exposure on self-esteem, empathy and friendships in pre-adolescent boys

Abstract

Previous research has identified that younger children prefer to play violent video games over ordinary video games. The effects of exposure to violent video games have been widely researched and contradictory findings have been reported. A cross-sectional, between-participants design was used to examine the relationship between frequency of exposure to a violent video game, named ‘Fortnite,’ and empathy, self-esteem and friendship in male pre-adolescents. Results indicate differences in empathy between participants reporting no previous exposure to ‘Fortnite’ and participants frequently exposed to ‘Fortnite.’ Lower mean empathy scores were present amongst participants reporting the highest frequency of exposure to ‘Fortnite.’ Parental and educational implications, limitations of the present research, and recommendations for future research are discussed.