https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdHOBn-AA_w&feature=youtu.be
The Pokemon Go app, which derives from the immensely popular Pokemon franchise, is already taking the world by storm. It has become the most active mobile game ever in the United States, with 21 million players and counting.
For such a popular game, one would think it would have nothing but positive benefits. However, recent controversies have risen that would prove otherwise.
Loosely based on the gameplay of the Pokemon handheld video games, Pokemon Go involves catching creatures called “pokemon” and using those pokemon to battle at gyms and level up. The app incorporates the element of catching these creatures by placing specific pokemon in different locations, encouraging the player to explore different locations and discover new pokemon along the way.
Seems harmless enough, right? Most would say yes, and some studies have shown just how positive the benefits of this game might be.
As a recent article states, Pokemon Go has been shown to improve the mental health in those with anxiety and depression. It not only helps to motivate them by encouraging them to exercise and boosting their self esteem when they discover that rare Pikachu in their backyard, but also it gives people with social anxiety a common interest with others and makes it easier for them to socialize with other players.
As I explored on my own Pokemon Go journey, I discovered Ethan, an eight-year-old child playing with his mother beside him. “I do appreciate how the game encourages exercise rather than something violent,” his mother said.
She also mentioned to me that he is much more active with his friends than ever before. “Ethan would rather sit around and play video games on most summer days,” she said. “But now him and his friends will get together for at least a couple of hours a day to go out and catch pokemon.”
Ethan himself mentioned that he enjoyed this activity more than playing video games in his own house. “I think it’s cool that my friends and I can play together,” he said.
However, some reviews have been less than flattering. In fact, several reports have noted the increased value of danger and recklessness that some aspects of the game may cause.
Some of these incidents include, but are not limited to distracted driving, armed robberies, inappropriate placings of Pokestops (locations where you can level up and receive items), and practical intrusions of property.
“My younger brother jumped out of a moving car to catch a Pokemon,” 19-year-old Ryan Shaughnessy said. “It’s safe to say that this generation of children is really screwed by Pokemon Go.”
Others have noted the addictive and distracting nature of the app by sharing their own experiences with the app. Jonathan Weakly, a 25-year-old cashier from Acme, said that he was practically glued to the app, which may or may not be self-detrimental.
“It’s embarrassing to say, but I’ll sometimes use it while I’m driving,” he said. “I know it’s bad, but it’s just so hard to resist what kind of Pokemon I might be driving by. I risk my safety, but on the other hand, I risk missing out on catching a Mewtwo.”
So is Pokemon Go an interactive, fun and possibly revolutionary new game, or is it a potentially harmful and dangerous distraction? It is up to you to decide, so grab your backpack, stock up your pokeballs and get out there to catch ‘em all!
