What If 'Pokemon Go' Is One Big Social Experiment?
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

What If 'Pokemon Go' Is One Big Social Experiment?

Is this new app promoting social progress or is it a hindrance?

103
What If 'Pokemon Go' Is One Big Social Experiment?
Coed Magazine

Does this article need an introduction? The title alone should awaken in you fond thoughts of trespassing, operating your phone while driving, and foregoing sleep and social obligations. Perhaps it invokes recollections of outings with friends and family, recapturing a nostalgic feeling, or having fun just killing time and forgetting about this crazy world? Since this game's inception and even into its release, I have been contemplating what the world would become. I received my first Pokémon game on my fifth birthday. I have been a franchise supporter for 16 years. I knew this game would be huge, but I could not predict what change the game would bring to the entire world.

You have seen the news reports of stupid idiots getting hit by cars and falling off of cliffs whilst questing for the illusory beasts called Pokémon. Realize that this game is the perfect metaphor of the real world. There is always going to be that one dingus out of a hundred that can't responsibly handle a good thing. Laws exist for that 1% that just absolutely sucks and ruins it for the rest of us. The disclaimer about "situational awareness" at the opening of the "Pokémon Go" game exists for those who won't read it or follow it anyways.

I dare you to ponder one thing though. What if this game is one giant experiment? This game plumbs the depths of human communication and has touched many facets of this broad, complex system. I have witnessed it myself and, quite honestly, would do an academic paper on the parallels this game has in common with the overworld it is based in; because this game, so far, has manifested everything good AND bad about human communication.

As a loyal acolyte of Lord Zapdos, I support Team Instinct and, as a rule, think Team Valor is the biggest collective of poop noses around. Isn't that terrible? I think Team Mystic is a conglomerate of shit sippers, too. In the world of "Pokémon Go," it is like a little terrarium in which you can peer in and see every form of human interaction possible. I have fostered new friendships and strengthened existing ones. I have bonded with a truck driver just passing through town over this simple little game. However, I have seen people weigh risk vs. reward and choose danger and potential harm over safety and common sense. I have seen the divisiveness of this game's team classification. Elitism, prejudice, and hate, it exists in this simple mobile game.

As depressing as that is, I maintain hope. For every bad trait, I see the world uniting under a common interest: everyone should be able to catch something other than Ratata, Pidgey, or Weedle. It gives me hope that as a human race we could be that unified. Thank you, Pokémon, for proving that it can be done.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71256
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133376
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments