Just Say NO to Pokemon Go
Shell Roth, M.Ed (they/them)
💡 Gender Inclusive Language + Gender Non Binary Training | Speaking | Consulting -- 5 Books Published including A Field Guide to Gender Neutral Language #Diversity#Equity#Inclusion
Well, it’s been 48 hours since I installed and uninstalled Pokémon go. I have never been on a virtual game that I became totally absorbed and obsessed with. Obsessed to the point where I ignored what was happening around me, and constantly was on the lookout for Pokémon around me ALL- THE- TIME. Whether I was driving (at a stop light), on date night, or with friends, well it became my one focus. I even purchased Pokeballs to capture Pokemon.
48 hours later, I decided to uninstall it and here is why.
What I found when walking around looking for Pokémon was this: I stopped looking at nature, and I love nature. Nature provides natural Pokémon everywhere you look. From the 6 turtles I have “captured”, the many real ducks, dragonflies, assorted flowers and ferns, and other natural stuff all around me. What happened was I lost sight of the natural Pokémon in my surroundings.
My conclusion is, Pokémon puts us one step further from what, IMO, very much needed in our society; connection and community with other people IRL (in real life). This game put me back into a very competitive mode, which I strive to not be in, as well as ignoring the beauty of the natural world around me. I was obsessed with getting past level 5 and onto a gym where I could fight and conquer other trainers and their Pokemon.
Do we really need more AR (augmented reality) in our lives? I say no. This game was a great experience for me, and I understand why people love it. It’s fun! However, at what cost.
I welcome your experience and opinion.
Let’s connect IRL with plants, animals, people. And for that I say #nopokemango
Software Developer
8yIt's been a little while since the game has come out and the hype has slowed a bit. The shining glimmer of something new is fading as people have tried it out but that doesn't stop many people that continue to play. And while there are many cons, there are just as many pros that have come of this game. You hear stories about hospital therapy patients getting up and wanting to walk around the hospital to try to hatch eggs. You hear of businesses such as local ice cream shops that were once doomed for closure making come backs. And as a personal experience i have been connecting with people i would not have thought about talking to before. The game itself provides a sense of community and an immediate ice breaker for talking with people. You start with a connection to the people around you because they are playing the same game as you and it strikes conversation. While I do agree one tends to connect less with the plants and animals, i disagree about connecting with other people.
Executive Projects Coordinator at SouthEast Texas Regional Advisory Council
8yI like Pokémon Go because it does at least get people outside (which is hard to do in 100 degree weather!). I do think, however, that the makers should make it so everything takes place at neighborhood parks and not include places of businesses and churches unless they request to be included. Making a business submit reasons they should be excluded is ludicrous.
Strategic Sales Leader | Industry Technologist | Customer Advocate | IT Solutions Director/VP
8yI watched a backpack wearing high school age kid walk face first into a tree today while staring at his mobile device. My high school age daughter just said.. "Pokeman" glad I have better things to do all the time.
President & CEO | Leading Technology Innovation for Education & Public Safety | Committed to School Safety and Supporting First Responders
8y💜 Love this silly game. 💜 Yes, love it. And why. I have no clue. It's silly. And it amuses me, for now. 💜
Co-President Mountain Women in Business
8yI'm very tempted to download to see what all the hype is about. But I'm too afraid that I will get sucked in! That's for checking it out and sharing your experience.