The augmented reality sensation of “Pokemon Go” has taken over reality. Released to the U.S. on July 6, the Pokemon epidemic is slowly taking over the world. After simply downloading the app, users can customize an avatar and follow the dream of “catching them all” to become the greatest Pokemon trainer.
The game has made a positive impact on many people’s lives. Users must search for different Pokemon and hatch eggs through walking. In an unconscious effort for many individuals, this has encouraged them to exercise. Through battling features, “Pokemon Go” has brought people together. Allegiances to the three teams — valor, mystic, instinct — have united people under a common goal of defending Pokemon gyms. Noticing other users with the app on their phones makes it easy to start conversations promoting social situations as well.
Pokestops and gyms, locations that users can travel to in the game, compel users to visit parks, buildings and many unique landmarks. However, some of these locations include gravestones, federal buildings and even strip clubs. Rangers in D.C. welcome “Pokemon Go” users into exploring monuments, encouraging the app, but remind people to be respectful in solemn places of reflection like the Vietnam Memorial or the Holocaust Museum. With the interesting places “Pokemon Go” takes people to, it has created a new meaning for running errands and family vacations.
Like many social media apps, “Pokemon Go” consumes lives. This addicting game has been responsible for the end of many relationships, although it has been the start for others. It has proved to be a source of distraction in professional situations. “Pokemon Go” has illustrated the line of what is unacceptable usage and what is too far. Some people have little boundaries as to what it takes to catch them all. One user took this a little too far, attempting to catch Pokemon at a funeral.
Each time a user opens the app, it displays the message, “Stay aware of your surroundings.” This caution not only applies to being alert of where users are walking but also serves to advise against usage during dangerous situations, such as while driving. While the story of the fatality of Lamar Hickson causing a freeway accident in his loyalty to “Pokemon Go” was false, the fabrication demonstrates that this is entirely possible. This fear doesn’t deviate too far from the dangers of texting and driving that have lured people long before the launch of “Pokemon Go.” Understanding responsibilities while driving, hopefully the potential of the faux freeway accident article is taken as serious warning.
“Pokemon Go” is responsible for a lot of unusual behavior that may induce the end of sanity in the world. Excessive cursing when the severs shut down, wandering places in the middle of the night and contemplating trespassing property are a few of various behaviors exhibited. In one instance, a user found a dead body in a river playing “Pokemon Go.” As the game continues to foster strange experiences, it continues to unite people with a love of Pokemon.
