‘BitLife’ Ruined My Real Life: A Dangerous Mobile App Exposed
March 29, 2019
In a time full of emotional and political travesties not only in America, but all over the world, people are grasping at whatever sort of control they can gain. Whether it be cleaning your room, or dyeing your hair – we’re all just trying to have at least a semblance of order within our lives.
Now, enter BitLife, a life simulation mobile game which allows you to customize, randomize, and memorialize your “Bit-lives”. BitLife is a game where you have a randomized name and character, and are expected to live this new life to the fullest. The actions you make very much impact your life, and sometimes will choose whether you live or die. (…In the game, of course.)
The game is sweeping across the world as one of the most addicting apps, at least in my opinion. Once you’ve started your first life, you never want to stop.
Because the real world is so hectic and unexpected, people (like me) turn to whatever substitute money can buy (in this case a $1.99 Bitizenship subscription). According to my phone’s screen time I spend over an hour and a half playing BitLife a day. I know what you might be thinking, “An hour and a half is not a lot.”, and it’s not – but to just stare at your phone for multiple hours every day and play a monotonous game nonstop with no real end goal is truly alarming to think about.
I still remember the first time I ever played BitLife. It was seventh period World Cultures, and I didn’t have an iPhone, but my friend did (it was only available on IOS at the time). So naturally, I was snooping on her phone, taking pictures, playing games – when suddenly I stumbled upon a bright red app with a sperm cell on it.
An internal war raged in my mind as I struggled between paying attention in class and playing this seemingly interesting game. I was weak, and the red on the cover was so bright.
I opened the app.
I was greeted by a “life” my friend must have never finished and I tentatively asked, “Can I play it?” She said yes. It was all downhill from there.
When I finally got an iPhone, a deep ridden euphoria coursed through my veins and my fingers were lightning fast as I downloaded BitLife.
I immediately played it for 3 hours straight.
For days I spent playing life after life, quickly becoming more obsessed with the interactive game and itching for another fix, and even growing irritable if I didn’t play it for more than a day.
At the time, BitLife was my favorite (and only) pastime. Each night carried dreams of the game, at breakfast my fingers itched to tap on a screen. Fantasies of new lives spiraling around in my head- all I wanted to do was play this game.
Classes were failed (Okay, maybe I just missed one or two assignments). Friendships, lost (Okay, so I might have yelled at my friend in seventh period for not letting me play.) At one point, I had become so involved in this game that no one could tear me away from my phone.
At one point, an intervention attempt was made. My friends took my phone and explained that if I wanted to keep my grades up, I would stop playing this game – but my love of BitLife outweighed the love of my friends and family.
I didn’t play the game for three days.
THREE DAYS? You might ask. Appalling, I know, but truly all motivation to play the game was lost, I just found myself uninterested. Even the mere mention of the game had me annoyed, and without explanation, it seemed like having the opportunity to play the game all the time resulted in my depreciation for the game.
I began to hate it and I didn’t even have insight on why.
A reverse withdrawal, the doctor called it, but it felt like I was a motionless zombie coasting through life. BitLife no longer excited me, and nothing had made me as happy prior to, so what was left for me?
After a while of this meandering, I decided to give it another chance. At this point, I hadn’t played the game in a week and a half, and I was desperate for the relief that it may bring.
It wasn’t long before I fell back into the downward spiral. This time it was worse than before. I played it every chance I got. I woke up in the middle of the night, sweating and yearning to check my phone just so I could make sure that my Bit-life was going well. At one point, I had a dream that my virtual character died without my knowledge. Horrifying.
I asked around to see if other people experienced an obsession with the app as well, and while nobody’s experience was as extreme as mine, a lot of people agreed that it is a very addicting game. It is currently right next to Cat Condo as being one of the most entertaining apps in my opinion, BitLife brings an entirely new aspect to daily gaming for teenagers.
Bananaman11111111111111 • Jun 3, 2024 at 3:21 am
Sounds like a you problem
Mohammed Jawad • May 17, 2024 at 9:02 am
Title: The Perils of BitLife: How a Mobile App Disrupted Reality
In the age of ubiquitous mobile apps, few have stirred controversy as profoundly as BitLife. What began innocuously as a life simulation game quickly morphed into a societal phenomenon, blurring the lines between virtual and actual existence. Despite its initial allure as a mere pastime, BitLife has insidiously seeped into the fabric of everyday life, leaving a trail of disrupted realities in its wake.
First and foremost, BitLife’s addictive nature cannot be overstated. Designed to simulate the entirety of a person’s life, the game draws players into a virtual realm where they can make decisions spanning from birth to death. The allure lies in the freedom to live out countless alternate lives, each with its unique set of choices and consequences. However, this freedom quickly transforms into an obsession for many users, who find themselves constantly tethered to their devices, compulsively navigating the intricacies of their digital personas.
Moreover, BitLife’s influence extends beyond mere entertainment, infiltrating psychological and emotional well-being. As players immerse themselves in the game’s virtual universe, they often become emotionally invested in the fate of their digital avatars. The highs and lows experienced within the game can evoke real-world emotions, blurring the boundaries between fiction and reality. Consequently, individuals may find themselves grappling with feelings of anxiety, depression, or inadequacy as they struggle to reconcile their virtual achievements with their actual lives.
The impact of BitLife is particularly pronounced among impressionable youth, who may lack the cognitive maturity to discern between fantasy and reality. With its simplistic interface and seemingly harmless premise, the game appeals to a wide demographic, including minors. However, prolonged exposure to BitLife’s morally ambiguous scenarios can desensitize young minds to the gravity of real-life decisions, fostering a skewed sense of morality and ethical responsibility.
Furthermore, BitLife’s depiction of social interactions and relationships can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and unrealistic expectations. In the pursuit of entertainment value, the game often sensationalizes themes such as romance, friendship, and family dynamics. Consequently, impressionable players may internalize these portrayals, adopting skewed perceptions of healthy relationships and interpersonal dynamics, which can have detrimental effects on their real-world interactions.
The insidious nature of BitLife lies in its ability to normalize and trivialize complex societal issues. By reducing life’s multifaceted complexities into a series of binary choices, the game oversimplifies real-world dilemmas, diminishing their gravity and nuance. Issues such as addiction, mental health, and socioeconomic disparities are distilled into mere gameplay mechanics, devoid of the profound implications they hold in reality.
BitLife’s impact on productivity and personal development cannot be overlooked. As players invest countless hours navigating their digital existences, they often neglect real-world responsibilities and opportunities for growth. The instant gratification provided by the game’s simulated experiences may deter individuals from pursuing meaningful endeavors or confronting real-life challenges, perpetuating a cycle of stagnation and escapism.
Moreover, BitLife’s monetization strategies exacerbate its detrimental effects, particularly among vulnerable demographics. While the game itself is free to download, it employs various tactics to entice players into making in-app purchases, such as virtual currency and premium features. This predatory approach preys on impulsive spending behaviors, ensnaring users in a cycle of financial exploitation that further exacerbates the negative consequences of excessive gaming.
In conclusion, BitLife stands as a cautionary tale of the potential pitfalls inherent in mobile gaming. While ostensibly harmless, its immersive nature and pervasive influence have the power to disrupt lives and perpetuate harmful behaviors. As society grapples with the implications of digital technology on everyday life, it is imperative to remain vigilant against the encroachment of virtual realities into the fabric of our existence. Only by fostering a balanced approach to technology consumption can we mitigate the adverse effects of apps like BitLife and reclaim control over our real-world destinies.
Isabel • Apr 17, 2024 at 7:12 am
I think you might need to seek help for your ability to get addicted. Now, I’m not saying I know what’s best (I mean, I’ve only read one article of yours) but it sounds like you get addicted really easily. I go to therapy for my problems, and it helps a lot. Bitlife can be a very fun game, I agree, but the level at which you are describing your experience seems extreme enough to warrant getting some help.
Sylvia • Oct 17, 2023 at 3:44 pm
Dude don’t ruin everyone else lives just because you cant handle your choices
Monkey • Nov 2, 2022 at 6:08 pm
You obviously have an addictive personality if you’re addicted to a game. Don’t blame the game and take responsibility for your actions. I play Bitlife every so often and yet I’m not addicted. If you can’t balance life and everything else maybe don’t play Bitlife. Honestly blaming the game just sounds like an excuse. You might want to seek professional help if it’s really causing problems.
Shon • Aug 15, 2022 at 9:35 am
You can get addicted to anything. If you got addicted to Jimmy Dean link sausages, you’d be “exposing” them. You’re the common denominator.
John • Oct 1, 2024 at 1:26 pm
That sounds like a threat to “somebody’s” reputation. Remember, if you play games be sure to put emphasis and importance on transparency within the how to play. (Fairly) Who’s got the instructions on how to make the playing field even and not effect somebody’s mental health and well being. I mean, how can we make this work.
Words of Wisdom • May 31, 2022 at 1:22 pm
Y’all just have addictive personalities, it’s not a games fault for being good it’s your self control and if it is impairing your daily life then you need to seek help just like people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol. Take responsibility for YOUR own actions
Monkey • Nov 2, 2022 at 6:02 pm
I couldn’t agree more with your comment!! I play Bitlife and I haven’t gotten addicted. I make plenty of time for everything else and my loved ones. So you’re right they need to take responsibility instead of blaming a game.
Anonymous • Mar 24, 2022 at 10:54 am
It’s not a games fault that you have the inability to split you time. Of you addicted, that’s your problem. Then you have an addictive personality. That is not the game, that is you.
Elyse Pettway • Jun 14, 2023 at 10:44 pm
True I played it at school when my teacher said to get I listened no addiction
Anonymous • Dec 8, 2021 at 5:39 pm
I’ve been to the point where I was so addicted to a game that it was on my mind 24/7 (I still have dreams about playing WoW when I quit playing it over a decade ago), so I know what it’s like. If any game gets to the point where you go in to withdrawal from not playing it, then you should treat it the same as any other addiction…delete it from your phone and take steps to get help if you find that you keep going back to it, but don’t blame the game
Innocia • Aug 3, 2021 at 2:30 pm
Really I am too addicted to this game. I am not able to focus on my studies as well. Let’s Bccoyt BitLife.
Anna • Jul 12, 2021 at 2:30 am
Well, I do think so that the game is addicting but i dont think its to the point that you should be playing it that much you should get help or just keep your mind busy!
Anonymous • Apr 17, 2021 at 8:44 pm
If a game becomes this addicting to the point where you wake up in the middle of the night worrying about it then you should get some help, I do not have experience in addictions because I’ve never had one that seriously affected my life but you should delete the app, I know it sounds hella hard but it’s good for you in the long run. If you don’t want to delete the app because you’re worried about losing progress offload the app or turn off notifications.
-Fellow BitLife Player
hill • Jan 21, 2021 at 5:47 am
I have the same problem. Whenever I uninstall the game I feel like I have to reinstall it. I am an addict and I think the problem is with both game and me. Firstly, this game is addicting because when you close the app, some of informations about your job, exes and friends change, so you can’t leave it until you die. Secondly, you don’t mostly die until your 110s so living only one bit life takes hours. But I think we should deal with our own addictions. Alcohol is addicting too but not all of drinkers addicted. I think first step is uninstalling the app. And the 2nd is focusing on your own life and whatever it takes, do not reinstall it. I am an addict of this game for 2-3 years and I have tried to leave it for many times, but in the end I always reinstalled it. I hope this time it would be last. Good luck to everyone who has the same problems with me!
Buterfly • Jan 17, 2021 at 5:18 am
Yes, I have the same problem.
During the beginning of summer holiday, I have download bitlife.
I play during One hour each day, and I complete more and more lives.
But, one day, one of my character died because he practiced autoerotic asphyxia.
My mom said me “uninstall this game” and I uninstall him, but I have uninstall him and download after five times.
Then I read this article, and I undestood Bitlife is really dangerous.
Since, I do prevention to my classmates in school
If you are under 18 years, n download bitlife!!!!
Zaid • Nov 8, 2020 at 5:08 pm
It’s not the game’s fault. It’s yours. I do not relate to this article at all. I’ve never played BitLife for 3 hours straight. You became addicted, I think you might need counseling for these behaviors, though. I’ve played this game, it’s fun to play, but this game shouldn’t become anything more than a time killer. Any game can become addictive depending on the gameplay that suits you, but you should take measures like only playing for 30 minutes to an hour a day. BitLife is not the problem here. I think that boundaries are the actual problem.
Sheldon • Oct 20, 2020 at 1:12 pm
The game is not the problem it’s the addiction itself you could at some point move on and then get a different addiction it’s all a cycle no matter what just like social media
jack • Jun 25, 2020 at 5:26 am
Amazing game. Check out the Alternative of Bitlife. https://opmobilegamer.com/alternative-of-bitlife-game/
Naya • Jun 17, 2020 at 8:17 pm
I play the game of I have to wait in a queue or if I’m in a car but I’ve never really felt the need to play it right away. It’s just a game that I enjoy playing occasionally.
Alaina • Jan 9, 2020 at 2:27 pm
I don’t believe the game was the issue. If it is that addictive then you should go to therapy. I have played Bitlife and have stayed focus in school. It is possible. Any game can be addictive. For example Bitlife is a lot like the sims and that could also be addictive for some people. You can’t blame the game though. It’s a you problem. Something inside you doesn’t want to let this go.
James Oliver • Dec 2, 2019 at 2:37 am
You should play this game its fun and addicting
Tucc • Nov 29, 2019 at 5:13 pm
Ok boomer.
But for real, just because *you* became obsessive doesn’t mean everyone will? Seems to me that *you* had a problem and once it became evident that it was ruining your life, you decided to blame the game instead of taking responsibility for your own actions.
Fact is, me and everyone else who’s played this game that I’ve had the pleasure of talking to can easily put the game down, can easily ignore the game for weeks if we have to. The fact that you can’t? Points to a problem with *you*, not the game.
To sum this up- stop blaming things for your problem and face the facts that you have issues that you need to work on.
Christinna L • Apr 1, 2019 at 1:56 pm
This article is great because not only is it incredibly well written, it gives a story. You figure, it starts out with the slow drop into the obsession and then gradually leaves slaps in the face that cause you to realize how hard this game actually affected her. Plenty of people can relate as well, given the comment section. Overall it’s a pretty powerful article that shows just how entranced with mobile games youth can be.
Avner • Mar 29, 2019 at 1:19 pm
I really loved your article. Reading it made me think of myself and how fascinated I am with this game, I should really stop playing.
Samantha Whitby • Mar 29, 2019 at 9:39 am
I totally agree, my friends in art class continuously play this game like there’s no tomorrow . I used to play on my DS as a kid and i would ignore everyone until i fell asleep or I got hungry. This article is hilarious by the way!
Khylige turner • Mar 29, 2019 at 8:12 am
i can relate to the feeling that you have with the addiction to bit life, because i was addicted to fortnite. i thought that the game was the-best and nothing else mattered. but i was soon to realize that it wasn’t because when i didn’t play it i felt like it it was obsolete.
Osmar Abreo • Mar 29, 2019 at 8:10 am
This article gets all parts of what someone looks for and is quite entertaining. The topic is great just to the fact that it is modern and many people can relate.