Pokémon Go was released a little over a month ago and has been a huge hit from the beginning. It has been trending on the app stores for Apple and Google since day one. The statistics for the game are out of this world. By the second day, it was installed on more Android phones than Tinder. It is hard to believe that only 3% of the U.S. population is playing this game on a daily basis.
At first, I was totally against downloading and playing this game. It seemed like a waste of time and a battery killer. However, recently I have come to terms with the fact that this game might have a positive effect on my life in a handful of different ways.
1. I can bond with my brother.
My little brother is eleven and therefore does not have his own phone. He has been with my mom for the past week and helping her level up as a trainer. He has called me expressing his excitement about going to different parks with her just to catch Pokémon. My mom has said he gets really excited while they are driving and he sees Pokémon pop up. It amazes me that he can get so excited about something. So I feel that I can use this app as an incentive when school starts -- you finished your homework? Let's walk to the stop down the street! Oh look at this awesome grade! Let's go to the park and spend time catching Pokémon! It excites me that I will get to spend time with my brother and we can do something that we both enjoy.
2. Peer Pressure is real.
Between my friends and my brother, I have felt an intense pressure to at least give the app a try. It gives me things to talk about when I am at work and again, I have time to bond with my brother.
3. A sense of accomplishment.
In my first few hours of having the app downloaded, I had caught over 30 Pokémon and leveled up to a level 5. This brought a great sense of accomplishment, and although it may not be the greatest, it meant something to me.
4. I can get out and exercise.
Recently I have been struggling with the fact that I have gained weight over the summer. This is a great excuse for me to get outside and walk. Well, more of a motivation than an excuse. For me, it is easier to sit inside and watch Netflix and snack then get outside and do something. After my trip to Florida, I got really out of shape in just a month and now I can feel that I am motivated to get fit again.
5. It is genuinely fun to play.
I have been excited to level up to five since I started downloading. I got to pick a team that fit who I am as a person. I am excited to go to the parks around my house and maybe meet new people. I am super excited to go out with friends and hunt some Pokémon.
Now that I have this app, it is hard to believe that I ever thought it would be stupid. Yeah, it still has its downfalls but, I think the pros outweigh the cons. I can't wait to bond with my brother and meet new people while trying to catch them all.
