If you haven't heard of Pokémon Go in the last week, you must be actually living under a rock. Like, legitimately camping out under some granite. It has taken over society. You can't leave the house without seeing huddles of people, armed with their phones, out to find Pokéstops and Squirtles and all other manner of things. Any local area that has a gym is likely to now be crowded at many (and ridiculous) times of day and night, and if you talk to anyone you know, you're likely to hear at least something about this game. It has taken over our lives. And there are people who believe that by not playing this game, they're better and more mature than those of us who do. Sure, maybe they get a little more done because they don't have to sprint away from certain situations because they really want to catch that Butterfree over there, but this game shouldn't be dismissed, because the effect that it has had is nothing short of impressive.

There is a community surrounding Pokémon Go that is really awesome. Today alone, I was walking with a friend to find a Pokéstop that we had spotted a few streets over, and on the way, we saw a bunch of people playing the same game, and all of them stopped to say hi when they recognized fellow trainers, told us where they had found good or rare Pokémon in the area, traded tips, wished us luck, and went on their way. In the cases where we realized we were all on the same team, the experience was made even better with high fives. Everyone I've talked to that plays the game has had similar experiences. I've had more pleasant and friendly interactions with strangers in the past few days than I have in a really long time, and I know it's not just my experience. This is bringing people together in a really cool way, and I look forward to how it continues to do so.

I now have a new way to get to know friends and something to do with them when we're bored that doesn't involve sitting around. I've gotten to know coworkers by adventuring around our job when we get off work to find Pokémon. My friends and I have something to do in our hometown, where we thought the time of having new and exciting things to do here was long gone. I'm getting better acquainted with my area, finding new places that I didn't know existed in a town I thought I knew forward and backward. Even my dog is having fun with the long walks we take to visit the gyms down the street. I've gotten to hang out with people that I would have never guessed I had so much in common with until we bonded over one seemingly simple thing.

I've gotten so much exercise in the past few days, which is one of the most commonly praised things about the app. People are motivated to get up and get moving, whether on bikes or on foot, to get the distance to hatch eggs or just to be able to walk around to pokestops and popular pokemon locations. It's making walking and moving all the more exciting, and bringing a new side to gaming—a side where it's making people more physically active. Individuals with mental health struggles like anxiety and depression have also spoken on how it has helped them get out of the house and get some air and sunlight and socialization, which is immensely useful to mental health, so not only is Pokémon Go helping physical wellness, but also mental wellness. Local businesses are benefiting from the app as well. Places that have Pokéstops outside are getting more foot traffic, as well as some even taking the next step towards using the app to help their business—a store in my town has a sign out front detailing how every certain amount of candy they sell, they'll drop a lure to attract Pokémon. A lot more people are benefitting from the game in a lot more ways than people would expect.

Honestly, who knows how long Pokémon Go will stay a trend? It may be a while, it may not, but either way, it has had a huge impact on society in multiple areas. There's nothing wrong with not playing—if it doesn't interest you, that's fine. But don't look down on those who do or call it immature, because it is helping people in ways you may not consider. People have been obsessively playing games for many years, but this one is promoting exercise and socialization in a new way. Plus, it's something that's happy, fun, and exciting, and that is something that, at least in my opinion, should be celebrated. That being said, be safe. Take the title screen seriously - be aware of your surroundings. Don't go alone to remote Pokéstops or gyms, especially at night. Don't play while driving, and look where you're going. Most of all, don't be ashamed that you're an adult who is proud of your Pokémon collection. This is a really cool thing, and I think we're all interested to see where it's headed. Be safe, and happy Pokécatching!