Pokémon Go has taken the world by storm. Everyone and their mother is using the famous app to catch ‘em all. It’s reintroducing the Pokémon craze, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The effects of the augmented-reality app on its users are definitely something that need to be discussed.

1. Players are encouraged to socialize.

The social aspect of this game transcends the idea of teams. People all over the world are planning Pokémon Go meet-ups, and trainers are showing up in droves. Players are able to meet their fellow trainers, and maybe talk a little friendly smack (if they’re on opposing teams). Pokémon Go is also encouraging people to go out and be a part of the world. It gives them a reason to leave their homes to seek adventures on a daily basis.

2. It takes a lot of walking to complete certain tasks, and that’s a good thing.

While the gyms in this game differ from those in real life, Pokémon trainers are always ready to walk a few kilometers in order to catch ‘em all, and that’s part of the beauty of this game. It differs from other video games because it encourages players to put their walking shoes on in order to advance in the game. And it’s especially great for people who would otherwise get little to no exercise, as it helps introduce physical activity and fitness into players’ daily routines.

3. The app introduces cultural landmarks to players.

Not only do Pokéstops provide extra goodies for trainers, but they also provide quick lessons in culture. The Pokéstops, which are scattered throughout the map, are located at the sites of popular murals, historical landmarks, and monuments, which we often glaze over on our daily commutes. Through the use of the app, players are re-introduced to their cities’ respective histories and cultures, and they are provided with great backdrops for impromptu Pokémon trainer photo-ops.

4. The game is inciting a sense of adventure in people.

Pokémon Go is really the best of both worlds. It combines the use of a smartphone with a sense of real-world adventure. Gamers are not secluded in their homes, and they are eager to leave the house! That’s definitely not something that is common in today’s day and age. Kids (and -- let’s face it -- adults) who play this game are excited to leave their homes and explore the world in order to catch ‘em all. It’s definitely a turn in the right direction for gaming.

5. It’s introducing new technological concepts to people.

OK, hear me out on this one. I know that this whole augmented reality thing is nothing new. But it’s definitely a (relatively) new concept to those who are not caught up on the world’s technological advances. It’s not a groundbreaking concept or anything, but we have to consider one of the most important effects of ‘Pokémon Go’: it’s planting a seed of curiosity in many people, including children. Just imagine how many kids are visiting Pokéstops and thinking, Whoa! This is really cool! I wonder how this happens. Even adults who are unfamiliar with the concept of augmented reality can be taken aback by the sheer cool-ness of the app. This sort of thinking can only lead to future engineers and developers and CEOs and I think that’s great.