Over the past couple of weeks, our social media is filled about this Pokémon Go app. The app mixes reality with virtual Pokémon characters. An individual walks around and tries to capture theses Pokemon. This app has so much hype around it, I decided to assembly a few pros and cons about the app. Lets start with pros:
The first pro is the app is so much fun! it's addicting and you want to get as many Pokémon as you can. The satisfaction that you feel when you catch a Pokémon. It's lit ya'all!
The app makes you get up and walk and look around. If you want to catch more Pokemon you are going to have to get of the couch and search around. Do not trespass on other people's property. I repeat do not trespass on other people property. It's not cool, and it can result in the police getting called on you.
Pokémon Go makes us feel like kids again. I think that is why many people in our generation lowkey download the app. We Pokémon fans remember watching the show on television, and wanting to be part of Ash Ketchum squad made up of Misty, Brock, and Pikachu. Wishing we could be Pokémon trainers and having Pokémon of our own.
It allows you to meet new friends. A lot of people on social media are saying that Pokémon Go has helped them with there social anxiety or depression. It is getting people out of the house and meeting others, which is a very hard thing that people with depression or anxiety face. Dr. John Grohol, stated that it actually "works as an anti-depressant and it has a really, pretty strong effect. It's probably one of the most beneficial things a person with depression can do, especially if they're not accessing other types of treatments, such as psychotherapy or medication." It also becomes a conversation starter for many people. There are even Pokemon Go meetups, where people can meet other fellow gamers.
So what are some cons of the game? Well for one the game can be very distracting. When the app came out there was a high influx of car crashes related Pokémon going and driving. There was one case in Auburn where a driver crashed his car into a tree. Let's have some common sense here people, it is unacceptable to drink and drive, text and drive, so playing a game while driving is no different. There was also a case of a little girl who was so intent on finding Pokémon, that somebody found that as an opportunity to try and snatch her since she was distracted. So let us all be aware of our surroundings because you never know what can happen.
Even though players are technically getting up and moving around, some still use the argument that a person still has a phone in their hand.
In the app you can make lures, the Lure Module, can attract players and potential Pokémon to a particular location. But some are using lures to attract people and rob them. Teens, from the ages of sixteen to eighteen from Missouri, used the app and commit armed robberies on players. they have since been caught by the police. Which led the police to give a warning for people to be careful while playing the game. And if a player chooses to go to one of these locations, do not go there alone. Try going with a group of people to be more safe.
Pokémon Go is slowly taking over our lives. I am cool with it and all. But stay safe out there folks. Catch 'em all!
