"Pokemon GO" has only been on the market for 10 days, as of this writing. Yet in those 10 days, the game has impacted more people across the globe than any other game in history. In a previous article, I laid out numerous examples of the potential detrimental effects of playing "Pokemon GO." In retrospect, I realize I should also have addressed the various ways the game has already started improving the lives of its players. Believe it or not, "Pokemon GO" may very well revolutionize the upcoming generation.
Happier and Healthier, One Pokémon at a Time
Scientists and medical professionals have seen nothing like it. "Pokemon GO" is changing the way people interact with the world around them. It is encouraging individuals who suffer from emotional disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, to get out, get active and interact with others around them. The results are heartwarming:
Dear pharma companies #PokemonGO is making your depression meds obsolete.
— Bread Foster (@BreadFoster) July 11, 2016
#PokemonGO this is actually making me want to leave my room and interact with people finally after years of depression I love this so much
— Amy (@amyxplier) July 10, 2016
#PokemonGO has my mom excited and wanting to leave the house. It's been awhile since I seen her this happy and excited. #depression
— Damiano (@DamianoTheDon) July 10, 2016
In addition to helping curb the effects of mental illness, the advent of "Pokemon GO" has promoted physical activity and exercise in young people. Whether banding together in groups to roam the streets in search of rare Pokémon or going out for a morning jog and collecting items at Pokéstops along the way, today's youth is starting to embrace a more active lifestyle in connection with "Pokemon GO":
Went out for a jog, hatched a Squirtle from an egg. Exercise with incentive. This rocks. #PokemonGO #TeamMystic
— ProJared (@ProJared) July 13, 2016
No joke, Michelle Obama spent almost 8 years trying to get kids to go outside and exercise and #PokemonGo was able to do it in 24 hours.
— Shawn Rutherford (@thatlasallegrad) July 11, 2016
#PokemonGO the first game to make me get up early in the morning and take a stroll... looking for Pokemon. Caught 5! #adulting #exercise
— Sokhean Jonathan Ouk (@hiitsjonny) July 7, 2016
Gotta Catch 'Em All, No Matter Where They Fall
The game has also encouraged players to get outside and explore their neighborhoods, community parks and cities. Different breeds of Pokémon spawn in different areas, so teens and adults alike have been discovering new places, making new friends or just enjoying the outdoor scenery that they happen to stumble upon while chasing these digital creatures. "Pokemon GO" has accomplished what no other mobile app has yet been able to do: it has inspired kids to get off the couch and go outside:
#PokemonGo has achieved what no other game has. It's made me want to explore the outside world. This is such a cool app, really love it
— Nick Prouty (@BigPRowdy) July 7, 2016
Almost called in sick to work today just so I could explore the world and become a Pokemon master. #PokemonGO
— Ashley Rae Bell (@ashleyraee21) July 7, 2016
Got #PokemonGO and now I'm stuck at my desk all day. I wanna explore the woooorld!
— Reizoko (@miniReizoko) July 7, 2016
The "Pokemon GO" mobile game has helped thousands of players overcome various life challenges they face on a daily basis. Providing great stress relief, the app has encouraged those with anxiety and depression to venture out of their shells, meet new people, make new friends, and explore new places. The game has also provided many people with an incentive to exercise or just get outside and explore their communities. With all of the crazy tragedies and world events that have occurred in recent months, it's nice to finally have something mindless and entertaining to provide even a small distraction from the real world.
