An Outsiders View Of Pokémon Go | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

An Outsiders View Of Pokémon Go

The good, the bad, and the Pikachu.

26
An Outsiders View Of Pokémon Go

I was sitting at my desk for my internship and what did I see outside the window? I saw several large groups of people walking around the lawn of the State Capitol with their noses in their phones. Were they looking for cell phone service? No. What was this perplexing sight? It was my first experience with the new phenomenon, Pokémon Go.

For those of you who have somehow managed to not hear about Pokémon Go, here is a quick summary. It is the newest Pokémon game that users play from their phones. That isn’t what is gaining all of the attention though. It is the ability to find Pokémon in our own world, instead of just a digital one. The game uses location services and GPS to insert Pokémon in and around areas where cell phone use is popular.

So to get the Pokémon, you must physically walk around to different locations. Once you are within catching distance, your camera is used to show the Pokémon as if it is right in front of you. The more you walk, the better you do in the game or the more prizes you can win.

This is my very little understanding of Pokémon Go. I have friends who are really in to it. I choose to not play because I will either not know how to use it and find it a waste of time, or become absolutely addicted and still waste all of my time.

People are absolutely obsessed with this game. And that’s not totally a bad thing. This is encouraging many people to spend time outside and it encourages physical activity. Without walking, you can’t find new Pokémon or unlock certain prizes.

It isn’t just players that are embracing this game. Towns and universities are creating Poke maps that show gyms and suggested routes. Hillary Clinton even used it to encourage millennials to go out and register to vote. “Pokémon Go to the Polls.”

However with every new fad, there is room for concern. The first issue that has arisen is for those who choose to Pokémon Go and drive. Obviously, this sounds very dangerous. But when people are competitive, they choose to take risks to reach goals more quickly. If they are driving, they can get to the Pokémon quicker. No, just no. If you are not going to walk as the game is intended, please have someone drive you, so you don’t put yourself and everyone else at risk.

The second issue is that Pokémon Go doesn’t have sanctions for where the Pokémon are located. This means people can go hunting for Pokémon anywhere. This has already led to controversies with people finding Pokémon at museums, such as the Holocaust Memorial and Arlington Cemetery. These are not places where people should be on their phones, but the app should go the step further by removing Pokémon from those areas out of respect.

Pokémon Go is still new and will continue to evolve. It has been the center of many news stories for the last week. With each situation that occurs, I’m sure the developers will make improvements. As for me, I will continue to slightly judge and envy people from my office window.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times "Parks and Recreation" Summed Up Your Library Experience

"I've only slept nine hours over the past four days, so I'm right on the verge of a nervous breakdown." - Leslie Knope

4887
Parks and Recreation excitedly gathered around a laptop at a table in an office setting.

The library. Club lib. The place every college student goes when they want to try and be a productive member of society. Who better to explain your experience than Parks and Rec?

1. When you've finally found the energy to leave your dorm room and walk into the lib like

Keep Reading...Show less
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

29218
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

12835
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments