Pokemon Go has taken the world by storm since its release earlier this month. Sure, there's still some glitches in the game that need to be worked out, but I love it despite its faults. There are so many reasons to love PoGo, but here's a list of just five of those reasons.
1. It gets me out of the house.
I'm working two jobs this summer, meaning I don't have a whole lot of free time, and that the free time I do have is usually spent napping or relaxing at home. This means that the only socialization I get is the small talk I have with customers and coworkers at my job. But once Pokemon Go was released, I made room in my busy schedule for the game I've been waiting to play since childhood.
2. It builds new friendships (and friendly rivalries).
I've teamed up with the fellow members of Team Mystic in my town to take over gyms, and we are an unstoppable force.. sometimes. But even when a certain high-level member of Team Valor takes back one of our gyms right after we claim it, it's still always a good time.
3. It helps socially awkward people like me relate to others.
I've never been the best at meeting new people or introducing myself to strangers, and small talk is the bane of my existence. However, it is much easier for me to talk to others when I share a common interest with them, as it gives us something to talk about. Pokemon Go does just that for me -- it gets the ball rolling on conversation, which helps me to break down my wall of introversion and, before I know it, I'm able to talk about more than just Pokemon with the people around me. There are a few places in my town where there seem to be lures every night and the dedicated players show up there every night. I've started to look forward to it every day after work -- for the Pokemon and the socialization, too.
4. It promotes an increase in physical activity.
I like to keep track of how many steps I walk each day, which for me is usually between 8,000 and 12,000. But since Pokemon Go was released that average has raised to 16,000-20,000 a day-- so anywhere from six to 10-miles. Hatching those eggs has gotten me more motivated to get off my lazy butt and do something for once.
5. It's fun!
Whether it's sprinting down the street with my short, less-than-mighty legs to track down a vulpix that's about to disappear off the map, or taking over a gym about six-times in a row when someone from Team Valor keeps taking it back, this game provides a lot of fun in my life and I am grateful for that.
I'd love to write more about this matter, but it's time for me to get back to catching 'em all.
