"Pokémon Go" has taken over the world by storm. I, along with all of my friends, have been catching Pokémon nonstop since the release of the new app on July 6. I never took the time to sit down and actually think about the benefits of "Pokémon Go" until today. As I thought about this, I came to one realization: "Pokémon Go" is healing America at a time that it needs it most — and in more than one way.
There has been tragedy after tragedy in the past couple of weeks that truly has a majority of Americans simply feeling down on themselves, especially millennials. I have seen too many of my friends struggling with depression, anxiety, weight and simply the motivation to get by from day to day because of events happening in our country. However, "Pokémon Go" is changing that.
Since its release, millennials have been spotted everywhere trying to capture new Pokémon. Not only does this new app provide a constant Facebook news feed of funny pictures (check out these), but it has allowed us to have a grieving process and a hideaway from the current problems we face. Running from your problems is not always the best idea, but "Pokémon Go" is keeping us healthy and active while we do it — so that's good.
Once America realizes that we can all join together to play a game like "Pokémon Go" despite all of our differences, I think we will also realize that our differences don't divide us. Our differences can help us build a greater nation. For example, I have seen countless people teaching new players how to play "Pokémon Go," and I don't remember seeing them ask if they were for or against All Lives Matter or Black Lives Matter, if they were Democrat or Republican or even if they were religious at all. My point is this. Despite our differences, we are helping each other play "Pokémon Go." That may sound childish to you, but I believe that it is a sign that we are headed towards a better tomorrow.
Though "Pokémon Go" seems like another one of those apps that will just waste your phone battery, it truly is far more than that. This game is changing America and helping us connect with our neighbors despite their differences. To me, that is not just a win for the creators of "Pokémon Go" but also a huge win for America. If you haven't downloaded the "Pokémon Go" app, I highly encourage you to do so and also connect with new people while you are playing. You know what the song says. "Our courage will pull us through. You teach me, and I'll teach you. Pokémon — gotta catch 'em all!"
