Niantic's "Pokemon GO" has taken taken the world by storm. Going so far as to have more active users a day than Twitter, the game encourages you to get outside and explore, awarding you with the incentive of capturing monsters to battle and trade for. This game is an internet phenomenon, with merchandise, memes, and a culture revolving around the three in-game teams (Mystic, Valor, Instinct.) It is no secret that "Pokemon GO" is one of the hottest trends in 2016.

However "Pokemon GO" is so much deeper than the classic games you probably played as a child. From personal experience and about 15 plus dedicated hours into the game, I have seen so much develop from this large scale project. I sat at a popular restaurant in my hometown of Philadelphia, The Dining Car for about an hour after my meal with friends just catching Pokemon. To no surprise, several others had the same idea. Sitting outside the diner was three people who had no issue with striking up a random conversation about the game. We chatted about our best Pokemon, team allegiance, and the '90s nostalgia flooded a tiny alcove where people smoke cigarettes.

Working at a high-traffic store such as where I am at, you get no lack of people playing the game while ringing you up. I've had nurses in scrubs on lunch break, I've had kids as young as 11 on their bikes playing the game and talking to me about it. Customers of any background always give me little tidbits about the area, where to catch certain 'mons, and admire my Pokemon tattoos. It's a relief knowing that one of my passions is still alive, and is even more recognized now thanks to this new cult following.

"Pokemon GO" is important because it bridges a gap in society that so desperately has needed repair for so long: communication. In modern life filled with political, racial, and social issues, "Pokemon GO" provides a lax means of being able to talk to random strangers about something you're both interested in. Even those who are deemed introverted have an incentive to explore, to get out of the house and catch 'em all. "Pokemon GO" touches on issues that needed to be reached, the idea of isolation in today's society. I cannot remember the last time that someone has ever approached me on the street about something so pure and innocent like Pokemon. If you haven't already, you can download "Pokemon GO" on Android and iOS platforms. Try the game out even if Pokemon was not your '90s nostalgic cup of tea.