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The Pokemon Go Effect


It seems like everyone is talking about Pokemon Go. The new and exciting virtual reality game has players seeing their world in a whole new way. This popularity, however, has made some people raise concerns about how involved players have become in the virtual world.

The game is sure to become more popular as more people are tempted to try it due to the rave reviews it gets. Don't be turned off by negativity when it comes to this game because it has a lot to offer players that know how to get the most out of it. Here are some things to consider if you are wondering what all the fuss is about this game.

Private Business

Stores and shops have seen increased traffic due to Pokemons being spotted or placed at their businesses. While some say that increasing foot traffic can only help businesses, there are some that say players come in but never buy anything and sometimes even get in the way of those that are there to conduct business.

Pokemon aficionados say that the polite thing to do is to at least make a small purchase be polite and appreciative of the business.

Living In A Dream World

Pokemon Go requires looking at the world through the narrow lens of a smartphone in many cases. Some players can become fixated too much on this world view, and this can lead to accidents. The producers of the game in no way endorse people driving or performing other tedious tasks while playing the game.

Regardless of warnings, there are many that choose to fixate on the game and not pay enough attention to what is going on around them.

Setting Limits

Pokemon Go is a fun game and a get away from the reality and stresses of every day life but like anything, it is important to set limits. Playing any game to excess is not going to be a good thing. It is important to know your limits when it comes to game play time and the circumstances under which you are playing. Playing with a friend can help you stay safe.

Never Go Somewhere That Doesn't Feel Right

There is something to be said for trusting your instincts. Searching for a Pokemon in an area or place that doesn't have a good feel to it is never recommended. It is just a game after all. While there have been few incidents, there has been some concern that the game could be used to lure people to locations where they can be robbed or harmed.

Children should not be out randomly searching for Pokemon on their own.

Be Aware Of The Real World

Those that are not fans of the game have been quick to point out that distracted players are running into others on sidewalks or other rude actions. This philosophy can be applied to any video game, texting, etc. but they do have a point. If you want people to realize how great Pokemon Go is then, you need to be a respectful and conscientious player in the real world.

It is also worth noting that being too distracted can lead to falls and scrapes. If you are concentrating on finding that Pokemon and not on obstructions, the results can be quite bad. A lot of people have experienced slight injuries because of these distractions. Navigating over unfamiliar terrain, taking short cuts, and other behaviors can further add to risks.

Greater Popularity On The Horizon

Pokemon has a lot of fans. In fact, many are predicting that the latest wave of popularity will lead to more movies being made. Indeed, a whole new generation is learning what fun there is to be had in the fabulous world of Pokemon.

Greater Exercise Levels

One positive aspect of Pokemon Go is that it does encourage a higher level of physical activity than other games. Enthusiasts are getting more exercise than they did before which developers see as a very positive thing and a major reason why people should not fear the Pokemon Go world.

Night Hunting

Some experts recommend hunting Pokemon at night. While activity levels of every day people might be lower, hunting Pokemon at night poses its risks. You need to make sure to be extra aware of surroundings and wear clothing where you can be more easily seen by drivers. It is a good idea to hunt in a group or at least with a good friend so you can stay safe.

Hunting Pokemon at night can be fun and is recommended by those that are the biggest fans of the game since its release in July 2016

Utilizing Parks

Public parks are a great place to play Pokemon Go. Using public space makes a lot of sense and keeps the play away from businesses. Higher population neighborhoods often have a lot of Pokemon to find. There may be a local group of players you can get involved with and make some new friends.

Timing Your Play

There are times of the day when there are more people playing Pokemon Go than others. If you want to increase your chance of catching the most Pokemon and have some flexibility then playing early in the morning, mid-day, or very late, is a method worth trying. These times are good for beginners to get a feel for the game.

If you don't have a lot of time to play you can utilize lures more. Local shops and hot spots are a great place to drop a virtual lure. You are almost sure to capture a few Pokemon this way.

Pokemon Go Is Not Unsafe

Like any game, Pokemon Go has the potential to be taken too far by some people. The game itself is not unsafe, but it does require some common sense when it comes to being considerate of others and staying safe.