Over the past week, everyone has been talking, posting and hearing about the latest worldwide app craze: Pokémon Go. For those that may have been living under a rock, the app is a game designed by Nintendo and partner Niantic Labs to allow its users to "catch" Pokémon in their real-life locations. The player simply walks around with the app open, and the GPS on the phone will tell the game where you are and, therefore, how far away you are from the nearest Pokémon. Once you find one, the app actually uses the camera on the phone to make it seem as if the Pokémon is in your world. Here's an example of a "Psyduck" Pokémon I caught while vacationing in Florida:
In short, Pokémon Go is a game that uses your real-world locations and actually makes you move, making the player feel like they are an actual Pokémon trainer (or at least that's how I feel...).
By now, you can obviously tell that I am a fan of the game. I'm not saying it's a high-tech modern feat, by any means, but it is certainly a fantastic concept. I've noticed, however, that every time I see anything posted or written about it, there always seems to be a large group of people with comments such as "what a stupid game" or "stop posting articles about this, I think it's childish." Well, for you naysayers that don't understand the hype, I have a few words:
1. LET. PEOPLE. ENJOY. THINGS.
I had to make this point because it applies to all things: some people enjoy it, others do not. That does not mean that you are entitled and above them for not enjoying a "silly game." You are not a better person for commenting and making sure that the one friend who posted about the game now knows you think it's stupid and childish. A person should never be made to feel bad about something they enjoy, especially when it is something as innocent as a phone app.
2. Pokémon Go is bringing people together.
As I walked through more crowded areas while playing the game, I found it fairly easy to spot other people playing as well. It's quite common to strike conversation with other players, especially since many will gather at common game-based locations known as "Gyms" or "Pokéstops." For being a generation known for our "lack of communication skills," I think it really says something that the game we are collectively enjoying the most is the one that brings us together and creates communication.
3. People are going outside to play video games.
To play the game, you're going to have to do some walking. Whether it be to get to the nearest Gym, to find a Pokémon, or to hatch an egg, the whole game requires that the player do some moving around. The fact that an app has caused so many people to go outside and get some exercise is an amazing thing that, in my book, definitely deserves some hype.
4. It's been helping with people's mental health as well.
People are leaving their houses and their previous comfort zones because of this game, and many are talking about how the game has helped with their mental health.
5. Small businesses benefit from it as well.
Just in my experience alone, I found many places that I would not have previously visited thanks to Pokémon Go. In the game, there are flags on the map known as "Pokéstops" that reward the player if they are in a close enough proximity. Places such as local restaurants, memorials, tourist spots and even picket fences have all been random Pokéstops that I myself have discovered. By encouraging players to visit new places, it helps out a small business that may otherwise have gone unnoticed.
Pokémon Go is a phenomenon that likely won't be dying off very soon. So instead of leaving negative comments or discouraging others from doing something they enjoy, I would instead suggest that maybe you try to "catch 'em all" yourself!
