Many people used to think that Pokémon is just for children and nerds, but now everyone is talking about it because of the new Pokémon Go app. Thanks to social media, I know everyone’s opinions about the app, and that is part of why I simultaneously love and hate social media. On one hand, I can get on Facebook and see happy people sharing posts about Pokémon Go, laughing, and talking to people they normally wouldn’t. On the other hand though, I can log on and see judgmental people posting nasty comments, like the one below, about the app and insulting the people who play Pokémon Go.
Everyone got addicted to Candy Crush and Angry Birds, and no one batted an eye. But now we have an app that encourages people to explore our world and talk to people, but for some reason that’s suddenly a bad thing. What? I’m not judging people for flicking birds or fruit on their phone screens, so why are people judging me and everyone else who plays Pokémon Go for going to the park and walking around trying to finally find a Pikachu, Squirtle, or Charmeleon?
Let me just address some of the insults I’ve seen people use to attack Pokémon Go players.
1. “The people who play Pokémon Go are Lazy.”
Excuse me, but I have to do a 10k just to hatch one of my eggs on the game. Would you rather I sit on the couch posting Facebook comments about how stupid the game is?
2. “They need to look for jobs instead of Pokémon!”
Many people who play do have jobs. My dad has a full time job and still goes to the park after work to find some pokémon. It’s none of your business though if someone who plays doesn’t have a job. Maybe that person doesn’t need a job.
3. “Pokémon Go players have no life! Who has time for that?”
I do have a life, and I have time to play Pokémon Go because I make time to play. You don’t have time for it because you don’t want to make time for it. I mean, you seem to have plenty of time. You just seem to prefer to spend your time posting rude and judgmental comments on Facebook.
4. “Pokémon Go players do nothing but get in the way at the park.”
Well, have you ever considered walking around the Pokémon Go players? Of course, I don’t think people playing the app should be stopping in the middle of the sidewalk, but we have just as much of a right to hang out in the park as anyone else does.
Remember, responsible Pokémon Go players are not the issue.
The servers, however, might be a problem:
All in all, Pokémon Go is a great game, and I have a lot of fun playing it. If you don’t like it or don’t understand it, that’s fine. You don’t have to play, but not playing doesn’t automatically mean you’re a better person than someone who does play.
And to my fellow Pokémon Go players, please be considerate of those around you when you’re playing.
Happy hunting!
