The newest app is out and everyone is raving over it. It's called Pokemon Go. What it is, is basically you go around to different locations and try to catch the Pokemon that appear on the screen. What you do is it'll access your camera and that's where the Pokemon will appear. You try to throw the pokeball at the pokemon (sometimes it'll take a few tries but eventually you'll get it). Over 21 million people have downloaded and are playing the addictive little game, myself included. It is quite fun, but there are a few risks to the fun game. Here's a pro and con list I've made up for the debate on whether or not Pokemon Go is really a benefit to the society or if it's just a silly childish game.
Pro: The Physical and Mental health benefits
There are lots of physical benefits to this game. For instance you're literally walking around everywhere so you're getting plenty of exercise! If you struggle with motivation for exercise, than this game is perfect for you! Walking your neighborhood, your friend's neighborhood while finding every Pokemon and stopping at Pokestops and gyms and battling out with people! It's quite fun!
The mental health benefit is having that mentality of wanting to go, and needing more Pokemon. You force yourself in certain social situations to actually socialize because you want to catch all the Pokemon. I know when I play it I get an instant burst of dopamine when I catch a Pokemon. It makes me really happy and even gives me an adrenaline rush! That mentality makes me want to go out and catch all of them!
Con: It can cause injury
While this game is a lot of fun and quite addictive, users have done some pretty inappropriate things due to not looking up at what's in front of them. Which doesn't work well if there's a lake or a busy intersection in front of them. I saw recently a young girl was trying to catch a Pokemon and she crossed a busy interstate she was hit by a car and is super lucky to be alive today. The game itself warns people to lookout for their surroundings. The council for the game says to watch out and be careful. No game is worth losing your life over a small cartoon character.
Pro: Socialization
While playing this game you will run into people and you'll easily make friends by playing this addictive game, I mean come on you bump into someone or people from different teams and you get to talking and suddenly you've made a group of complete strangers into a group of friends. So a huge pro to this game is an increase of socialization!
Con: People are playing the game in inappropriate places
The thing about Pokemon go is that you're following your GPS to different locations and areas to find the Pokemon. While in most cases it's fairly safe, sometimes people are going into places like the Arlington National Cemetery to play or the 9/11 Memorial. Those places are not appropriate for a game. Personally I believe that it's extremely disrespectful to even consider going to those places. Other places would be Dominion Power Company. Pokemon may appear there, but stepping onto their property can result in fines due to trespassing.
Pro: Game brings in a lot of business to Local Stores
With Pokemon Go you go to different places, well with that comes a boom in sales due to people coming in searching for Pokemon. In fact, I read on the news that Sweet Frog is giving out discounts to every Pokemon Go trainer that comes in. Level 1-5 gets a 10% discount, level 6-15 get a 25% discount and level 16+ get a 50% discount on a purchase. Local businesses are getting creative with Pokemon trainers. Catch a Pokemon, and take a break and enjoy some ice cream or a meal! It's a great way to stay cool, and catch them all!
Con: Criminals are using it to their advantage
Three boys in St. Louis were arrested for 1st Degree Robbery recently. They were playing Pokemon Go, and knew the area well enough to know that they could lure potential victims into a trap. Four teenagers in Missouri committed at least 10 armed robberies and also were able to lure players to the area. Police are urging players to be mindful of the area. If it seems sketchy don't go near it.
Over 21 million people have this addictive little game downloaded, while it's tons of fun and filled with much excitement and finding different Pokemon in different areas, definitely be mindful of where you are. You don't want to get injured or arrested. Be safe and have fun. But be mindful. Good luck!
