We have all, in one way or another, experienced the current sensation known as Pokemon Go. I can't log on to social media without seeing something Pokemon related. It's crazy to think that an app could make such an impact in just a little over a week of being released. I have to admit, I am a major fan of the Pokemon franchise, but I didn't expect so many people to play Pokemon Go. And it's not just a lot of people, but a large variety of people, it's not just your typical Pokemon fans (which lets be honest who isn't a Pokemon fan). With that being said, here are 10 ways that Pokemon Go has impacted the world since its release.
1. People are going outside more.
And it's not like they are just going outside real quick. People are actually staying outside. In 100 degree weather. Not many people would be caught dead outside in 90+ degree weather before Pokemon GO. But you have to endure the heat to catch em all!
2. If you play it, you can easily spot other players.
No matter where you go you can always spot someone on his or her phone trying to catch a Pokemon (hopefully not another Rattata). If you go to a PokeStop, you will more than likely find at least one other person nearby.
3. People are playing and driving.
Please, please do not play and drive. Texting and driving is bad enough, but Pokemon GO and driving is extremely dangerous (not that texting and driving isn't). I have seen too many reports on accidents caused by people trying to catch a Pikachu while driving. Just wait. You can't play if you're dead.
4. A kid found a dead body while playing.
Yeah.. that really happened. That would be enough to make me stop playing. Maybe...
5. People are walking more.
Because the creators of the app were smart and made it so you can't hatch eggs by driving around (with someone else driving of course). So a lot of people are getting more walking in then they usually do this time of the year.
6. Nintendo made more money.
Pokemon Go added 7.5 billion dollars to the companies already high stock amount. 7.5 billion dollars. I can't believe one app surged stock prices more than 25%.
7. Kids were robbing people using PokeStops.
Some kids went to different PokeStops and would use a Lure Module (an item found in the game that attracts Pokemon to a PokeStop) to lure people to the PokeStop so that they could rob them. When I first heard of this, I was shocked, but also slightly impressed in the creative thinking kinda way. Who thinks of this stuff?!
8. Pokemon Go Diglett pics.
I was shocked when I read about this, but apparently it is a thing. Poor Diglett is getting abused. But it is kinda funny... I mean look at it. "Hey I'm gonna send you a Diglett pic."
9. People can't stop talking about Pokemon Go.
Like I said earlier, you can't get on social media without seeing something about Pokemon GO, but it isn't just on social media. People, like myself, are writing about it. They talk about how great it is, how dangerous it is, how it gets into your brain (seriously that's one), or pretty much anything else you can think of.
10. People are working together.
During a political time that seems to have everyone at each others throats, it's nice to see people agreeing about something even if it is just a game. Even though the rivalries between the three teams does get a little heated at times, it's all in good fun.
All in All:
Pokemon GO is an amazing game that is actually getting people active and outdoors. We just all need to remember to play responsibly and to be aware of our surroundings (something we see ever time we attempt to reload the game during an outage). It's nice to take a break from reality and enjoy a throwback to childhood or young adulthood, or enjoy Pokemon for the first time. It's fun being apart of something that is making such an impact, even if it is just an app. So go out there and try to catch a thousand more Magikarp to get that Gyarados! I believe in you!
