In the middle of crisis and chaos, murder and protests, Clinton and Trump, the American public has found a new source of an escape: Pokemon Go. This new app allows you to become a Pokemon trainer in a way that's never been done before. Much like Brock, Ash, and Misty, the game uses your location and requires you to walk around and find Pokemon within their habitats. You can also find new items at Poke Stops and compete with your team (Instinct, Valor, and Mystic) at Gyms, but these Gyms and Poke Stops are located at various shops and landmarks within your community.
At less than two weeks old, Pokemon Go has taken America by storm. Lots of people have found new motivation to get off their couches, meet up with friends, and explore their community. Many towns like my own have even been known to host unplanned Pokemon Go "parties," with so many strangers coming together at one place to work together to get new Pokemon. America has sought a condolence in this game. We are coming together in peace in a simple bondage, working together without useless conflict and forgetting about the pain our country is in, even for a few minutes.
However, not everything about this app is fun and games.
Within a week of the game's release, a report out of O'Fallon, MO stated a robbery was initiated through the app. The robbers took advantage of unobservant players and hid out by a Poke Stop, catching the players off guard and completing their task. Multiple police departments have issued statements about how dangerous Pokemon Go can be if you're not careful. Instead of worrying about texting and driving, if we aren't careful, we will start seeing deaths caused by Pokemon Go and driving.
Pokemon Go can easily be played without much worry or concern, as long as you're not stupid. It is the ultimate test of common sense within Americans. So, seriously, don't take the warning on the first screen lightly. Pay attention to your surroundings. If there is a Pokemon or a Poke Stop in an area that you feel is unsafe, trust your gut; you can live without those extra three Pokeballs. Don't let yourself wander onto private property because a Squirtle is in the pond in the backyard; the landowners nor the cops will accept Pokemon Go as a reason for trespassing.
If you're walking down a busy sidewalk or near a street, take advantage in the Battery Saver mode found in your Settings. By holding your phone upside down, not only are you saving your battery, but you can focus on what's going on in front of you while your game is still in progress. You will still get all the notifications you would get if you stared at your phone the whole walk.
And please, for the love that is all good, please do not play Pokemon Go and drive. It's reckless and crazy and stupid and probably even more dangerous than texting (no, that is not my way of endorsing texting and driving; don't do that either). Keep your focus on the road. If you have another passenger, have them play for you. But if you are alone, you would rather get to your destination and continue playing alive and not in prison for killing someone else while playing and driving.
Pokemon Go is the game of the summer, the game of 2016, and possibly the game of the decade. With astounding records and constant social media trends, the public has used this game to interact with new people, become active, and find some happiness within all of America's craziness. But do not let this new trend steer you away from common sense. It's not the end of the world if you missed that Jigglypuff or didn't get that one egg from the Stop; what matters is that you, other players, and the outside community remains safe and alive!
Happy playing!
