2016 has been a year of continuing weird trends. This year, the most recent trend that will probably carry the most steam is Pokemon Go. Many trends, whether its cell-phone games, online “memes” or fashion trends, they all lose steam after the first few weeks, and eventually fade away.
However, the hardcore fan following for Pokemon goes back to the early 2000’s when many of the 20 - 30 age group was in elementary or middle school. The nostalgia paired with the ability to explore outside with being contained to just the screen has millions of people hooked.
Pokemon Go allows people to follow a map generated by Google Maps, catching Pokemon, visiting Pokestops(which are usually monuments or interesting sites in and around towns), and battling with other players.
Now with every trend comes haters, and believe me, I play Pokemon Go and even I find it to be ridiculous when I see the progress that others have made compared to mine and it makes me wonder “do these people seriously have nothing better to do or have that much free time on their hands.”
I play the game if I have to burn time while I’m in town, but many players go out of their way to play the game. Although this sort dedication to a cell-phone game puzzles me, I don’t necessarily believe it’s a bad thing.
Our world is dominated by electronics and so many of us are buried in our phones, TV computers etc. Many people criticize Pokemon Go because they think that walking around staring at your phone defeats the purpose of being outside and sightseeing, but thats where I feel where that argument falls short. There are diehard Pokemon fans that probably wouldn’t be outside exploring at all if it wasn’t for the game. They’re still getting exercise, they’re still getting fresh air, and yes they are distracted from the world around them but the positive benefits are still there.
The other argument is that the app is dangerous and people may be too distracted while playing game if they are riding a bike or walking along the street. Obviously if the player is walking with his head down, he’s putting himself in danger, but in my opinion the fault is still on the person, not the game. It’s like blaming cars for car accidents.
It seems as though people see Pokemon Go as another step away from the past where electronics didn’t control our lives. In reality, people have been walking or jogging with earphones and I-pod for years. If anything, this is getting more people outside and doing positive things for their health while playing something they enjoy. Even if you think the idea of the game is childish and pointless, it’s still enjoyable for others.
The truth is that the general public will find a way to criticize or make fun of anything that becomes a new fad, and frankly I fully support that fact as long as its in good taste. What shouldn’t be criticized are people’s decisions to do what they enjoy as long as it doesn’t affect your way of life and its not harmful to theirs.
If people find escapism or just purely have fun catching fake creatures on their device, no matter if they are 5 years old or 35 years old, let them have their fun. Finding your own way to enjoy yourself in a world that can cause a lot of stress is just fine, and in the end, people are usually going to do what they enjoy doing whether you like it or not.
