Pokémon GO: it's the game that no one has been able to stop talking about and playing for the past week. We've seen an increase in people running along the sidewalks with phones in hand, eagerly chasing Pokémon; and, we've found our friends, family members, and coworkers constantly chattering about which Pokémon they've caught where.
"Hey, did you check out that Pokéstop at the local church? Wicked!"
Where Pokémon GO appears to be an application intended to get people to exercise and travel more, is that what it really is? Since its release, there have been numerous accidents involving Pokémon GO. The pseudo-reality of the game has caused children to run into traffic and people to act violently toward one another over Pokémon. Many are worried that Pokémon GO's travel requirement will tempt drivers to play the game while driving, leading to life-threatening accidents.
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So, what is the solution? Do we ban the game entirely and prevent those who use Pokémon GO in a safe and smart way from using the app, in addition to those who abuse it?
My short answer is: no. As someone who grew up watching and playing Pokémon as a child, I find Pokémon GO to be an exciting and interactive game that when used in a smart and safe manner, can be harmless and entertaining while encouraging for people to get outside and explore their neighborhoods. I don't think that we should get rid of the app entirely; I think we need to educate ourselves and others on how to properly and responsibly use it.
That being said, I also find the app to be a tempting distraction that could potentially harm many people. And, not only could it potentially harm people, but it creates an even higher chance for us to become more absorbed in our phones than we already are. So, it's necessary that we know when and when not to use the app, and how to use it in the safest and most responsible ways possible.
If we do choose to play, it's pertinent that we "be alert at all times" and "stay aware of [our] surroundings" as the game's opening screen suggests.
Play safely — this means not playing while you drive, not walking alone late at night without bright-colored clothing or reflective gear, and always being conscious of what's going on around you before you dart after a Pokémon.
Don't let the game interfere with your everyday life. As with any other technology, you should enjoy Pokémon GO in moderation and not become obsessive with it. Don't let the game interfere with school, your job, your social life, or your family time.
Don't forget to look up from your phone and actually enjoy the real world. Though Pokémon GO does encourage you to move around and explore in order to play it, don't forget to actually notice where you are and what's around you. Enjoy your real surroundings, not just which Pokémon are where. The whole purpose of the game is to make us more active and spend more time outside. Having your nose stuck in your phone all day completely defeats that purpose.
With these things in mind, I would say go out and enjoy Pokémon GO, so long as you do it wisely and make your safety (and that of those around you) your number-one priority.
