It’s all over social media. It’s made national headlines. It’s broken numerous records and has become the world’s most popular mobile game in history. Pokémon Go, from a technological standpoint, symbolizes revolution. Players are given the opportunity to combine virtual reality together with true reality, and then explore the two as one.

Despite the cool new technologies the game has to offer, the Pokémon Go fandom still has its fair share of critics. Opponents against the game argue that children, teens and adults are too caught up in the virtual world, and should divert their attention to reality and major current events. Unfortunately, as of recently, the conventional “newsworthy” events in the United States have taken a dark turn for the worst. Police brutality, cold-blooded murder, manslaughter and racism have been the most prevalent proponents of the media. But, somehow, alongside such atrocities in our country, Pokémon has managed to hold its own popularity and consistent spotlight in major media.

Superficially, broadcasts in regards to this game may seem silly or irrelevant compared to other worldly events; however, the major publicity that this game has attracted should not be written off as pointless. The people of the United States want unification. The people want peace. And, as crazy as it may sound, Pokémon Go offers just those aspects to the people of weary of tragedy not just in the United States, but also all over the world.

Human beings need distraction. Scientific studies have proven that distractions foster creativity, distractions can deliver solutions and distractions can improve your mood. It’s purely factual. So, how exactly do these facts connect to Pokémon Go and worldly affairs? Human beings are incredibly resilient, and the innocence of Pokémon Go is truly refreshing, especially right now in the midst of such chaos. Is the game super intriguing with all of its shiny, new technology? Absolutely. Is that the sole purpose of its indescribable popularity? Maybe, but probably not.

For weeks, one tragic event after another has led many of us to react (understandably) with cynicism, hatred and pure negativity. However, although it might seem small, this “distraction” gives us the opportunity to leave our problems behind, and foster hope, mindfulness and positivity. Plus, let’s not forget that it’s good for our physical health as well. The game invites players to get moving. If you’re not moving, you can’t play. Many of us are still in that summertime slump where we sit with too much time binging on Netflix and pizza, and becoming consumed with our own thoughts. The game is motivating and pure. It doesn’t sponsor commercialized businesses. There’s no “Hey, if you go shop at Target, then you can win 500 Pokémon coins!” The points of interest in the game are non-profit, and encourage players to explore hidden historic landmarks in their area.

Gamers are getting active in a way that also promotes the idea of community. Personally, my neighborhood is very close to churches, synagogues and other houses of worship, all of which are PokéStops that are crucial to visit if the player wants to continue to play. There are women in hijabs at Catholic churches, blonde hair and blue-eyed men at synagogues, all of whom are out to catch Pokémon. The game sparks common interest in people of all kinds without any boundaries. If those who oppose the game could only see how it brings people together, perhaps their perspective of this “irrelevant distraction” would change.

The game shows promising hope that human beings, as a species, share common interests and can come together without conflict arising. The virtual world does not discriminate. People of all cultures, ethnicities, faith and interests can come together and build a community that’s built off of little majestic creatures that sometimes look like genetically compromised lizards (let’s be real; not all Pokémon are cute and cuddly). In a world filled with hate, racism and violence, should those who are seeking a healthy escape be condemned? In a world filled with hate, racism and violence, why wouldn’t you want to escape to the carefree virtual world? In a world filled with hate, racism and violence, why should something that brings people and communities together be written off as irrelevant? Sure, maybe we all aren’t at the U.N. headquarters singing "Kumbaya," but it’s a start. In times of distress and crisis, it’s easy to lose hope in the idea that humanity will one day be able to coexist in peace. With the launch of this game and all of its beautiful non-discriminatory qualities, that hope is somewhat restored.

So, keep moving. Keep catching Pokémon. Keep tracking down those pesky Poké Balls. Your participation symbolizes a lot more than just '90s nostalgia. It symbolizes revolution, and not just from a technological standpoint.