The Pokémon Go Revolution:
Before we begin, Yes, I am a Pokémon Master. But this time my interest isn't with the little creatures from the Kantos, Khalos, and other storied regions, it is with the creatures from the region known as planet Earth, humans. This phenomenon has spread worldwide with millions hitting the streets in search of rare Pokémon to add to their Pokédex collection. According to a study by an online data collection website Sensor Tower, individuals have spent more time on Pokémon Go for the last week than have been on the social media giant Facebook. Of course not everyone understands the premise of the game, so for those who are not familiar with Pokémon Go, it is an augmented reality game in which one can find Pokémon, catch Pokémon, and battle other user's Pokémon through their phone using their camera to transpose the creatures onto real world locations. Essentially it is an evolution, or more accurately a sidestep from the original Gameboy games that were released 20 years ago. But as a sudden and widespread phenomenon, some questions have been raised as to how this game is affecting our mental health.
What We Know: The Pros
Encouraging people to go outdoors: Scores of children and adults have taken to streets, parks, and businesses to catch these virtual creatures. One of the highlights of this game (and its timely release in the summer) is that it has motivated people to leave the comfort of their homes and go outside. This is every parents dream come true.... minus the fact that people are still glued to their phones the entire time they are outside. But it does beat being glued to your phone, computer, or gaming console indoors! According to a recent study conducted by UK and Australian researchers, people who on a regular basis spend time outdoors in a park or forest had improved mental health. In fact, according to their estimates, if everyone visited nature for just 30 minutes per week it could lower the rate of depression and high blood pressure by 7-9% across the population (Shanahan, et. al, 2016). Those are some of the most uplifting facts I have ever read pertaining to health and nature. It is incredibly easy to manage spending 30 minutes per week in nature, just think of all the Pokémon you can catch! These millions of individuals on the hunt for pocket monsters are soaking up Vitamin D, getting exercise, and relaxing their mind/body by being outdoors. All of this is while having fun playing one of the greatest video games of all time. My advice is to try putting the phone down every 30 minutes to an hour, take a deep breath of fresh air and enjoy the presence of nature and your surroundings. If you are with friends, put the phone down and maybe have a short, light-hearted conversation with them and enjoy the outdoors together, the Pokémon will always be there.
Helps individuals with depression: In my opinion one of the biggest benefits of this game is it's ability to help those suffering from depression. While the concrete numbers and scientific data is not in (due to it just being released), those in the mental health industry can definitely see some of the healing properties that Pokémon Go has to offer. An article on ScienceAlert.com, showed various tweets and status updates of individuals claiming to have depression and anxiety (many times agoraphobia: fear of open spaces which comes with the diagnosis) have expressed how Pokémon Go has helped elevate their mood and even help them work through some anxiety. One user named Hirez-David, even stated "Real talk - as someone with anxiety/depression, the fact that I've spent most of this weekend outside with friends is unreal." What a world we live in where the perfect blend of therapy and technology is in the form of a 20 year old video game. As we all know exercise is one of the most important factors in the upkeep of our mental health and happiness. Individuals who suffer from depression lack the energy, motivation, and many times are debilitated by their social anxiety. But according to ScienceAlert, individuals who suffer from depression are able to find a reason through Pokémon Go to get out of their house and exercise. Playing this game is almost a 1-2-punch for those in need of a positive activity. The game aspect (collecting Pokémon and controlling gym locations) is challenging and rewarding to the player, therefore releasing dopamine and making them feel good or happy about playing. While the exercise aspect has various health benefits and also releases chemicals such as endorphins, elevating the mood of the player. Individuals with anxiety can play alone if they wish while still reaping the benefits of exercise and playing a challenging game. And in my opinion the chances of striking up a friendly conversation with passer-byers about a mutual interest such as Pokémon Go is an added bonus and a good way to increase confidence in social situations.
Encourages exercise: Many comments have poured in over the Internet about the physical effects of hunting Pokémon for the last week. Some individuals have commented that they had tracked themselves walking over 5 miles in just a few hours while playing Pokémon Go. Since the game encourages movement in order to find creatures to catch, one must constantly be on the move. This has helped motivate many children and adults to ditch the couch for walking shoes in order to keep up with their friends playing the game. Some have even gone as far as to name Pokémon Go the most successful fitness app of all time.
What We Know: Cons
There are a few things to mention, but nothing that is too worry-some to take away from the fun of the game. Just keep in mind:
Injury: Yes, I know what you are thinking, people are getting injured from playing a video game? Unfortunately we cannot control the outside world like we can in our own living room. People have been reportedly getting hit by cars, falling off of cliffs, as well as hitting other cars/drivers or obstructions due to their eyes being glued to the screen hunting for Pokémon. Don't Poké and Drive. Secondly, people are being increasingly robbed or mislead through geo-located stops in the game used as bait or traps. Keep your head up, try not to go alone, and be aware of your surroundings.
Data Charges: Do you want to experience stress, high blood pressure, and anxiety? Just wait until your monthly phone bill comes in the mail. As companies have eliminated Unlimited Data Plans in recent years, the data usage must be managed within what your plan states. Since this game is mostly played in random locations, WiFi is almost not an option. On most smartphones there are pretty simple ways to check your data usage...so do it...on the regular. The last thing we all want is for the cell phone companies to get a large payday from the release of this game.
Bottomline:
The most important thing is to have fun and stay safe. It's easy to get wrapped up in the game but keep your head up when crossing the street, entering property that could be hazardous or considered trespassing, and even remain conscious of who is in your surroundings. And lastly, remember to take some time and enjoy the outdoors.
Sources:
Nelson, Randy. (2016). Mobile Users Are Spending More Time in Pokémon Go than Facebook. Sensor Tower. https://sensortower.com/blog/pokemon-go-usage-data
Shanahan, D.F., Bush, R., Gaston, K.J., Lin, B.B., Dean, J., Barber, E., & Fuller, R.A. (2016). Health Benefits from Nature Experiences Depend on Dose. Scientific Reports. Issue 6, Article Number: 28551. http://www.nature.com/articles/srep28551
MacDonald, Fiona. Pokémon Go is Reportedly Helping People with Their Depression. Science Alert. July 12, 2016. http://www.sciencealert.com/pokemon-go-is-reportedly-helping-people-with-their-depression
Before we begin, Yes, I am a Pokémon Master. But this time my interest isn't with the little creatures from the Kantos, Khalos, and other storied regions, it is with the creatures from the region known as planet Earth, humans. This phenomenon has spread worldwide with millions hitting the streets in search of rare Pokémon to add to their Pokédex collection. According to a study by an online data collection website Sensor Tower, individuals have spent more time on Pokémon Go for the last week than have been on the social media giant Facebook. Of course not everyone understands the premise of the game, so for those who are not familiar with Pokémon Go, it is an augmented reality game in which one can find Pokémon, catch Pokémon, and battle other user's Pokémon through their phone using their camera to transpose the creatures onto real world locations. Essentially it is an evolution, or more accurately a sidestep from the original Gameboy games that were released 20 years ago. But as a sudden and widespread phenomenon, some questions have been raised as to how this game is affecting our mental health.
What We Know: The Pros
Encouraging people to go outdoors: Scores of children and adults have taken to streets, parks, and businesses to catch these virtual creatures. One of the highlights of this game (and its timely release in the summer) is that it has motivated people to leave the comfort of their homes and go outside. This is every parents dream come true.... minus the fact that people are still glued to their phones the entire time they are outside. But it does beat being glued to your phone, computer, or gaming console indoors! According to a recent study conducted by UK and Australian researchers, people who on a regular basis spend time outdoors in a park or forest had improved mental health. In fact, according to their estimates, if everyone visited nature for just 30 minutes per week it could lower the rate of depression and high blood pressure by 7-9% across the population (Shanahan, et. al, 2016). Those are some of the most uplifting facts I have ever read pertaining to health and nature. It is incredibly easy to manage spending 30 minutes per week in nature, just think of all the Pokémon you can catch! These millions of individuals on the hunt for pocket monsters are soaking up Vitamin D, getting exercise, and relaxing their mind/body by being outdoors. All of this is while having fun playing one of the greatest video games of all time. My advice is to try putting the phone down every 30 minutes to an hour, take a deep breath of fresh air and enjoy the presence of nature and your surroundings. If you are with friends, put the phone down and maybe have a short, light-hearted conversation with them and enjoy the outdoors together, the Pokémon will always be there.
Helps individuals with depression: In my opinion one of the biggest benefits of this game is it's ability to help those suffering from depression. While the concrete numbers and scientific data is not in (due to it just being released), those in the mental health industry can definitely see some of the healing properties that Pokémon Go has to offer. An article on ScienceAlert.com, showed various tweets and status updates of individuals claiming to have depression and anxiety (many times agoraphobia: fear of open spaces which comes with the diagnosis) have expressed how Pokémon Go has helped elevate their mood and even help them work through some anxiety. One user named Hirez-David, even stated "Real talk - as someone with anxiety/depression, the fact that I've spent most of this weekend outside with friends is unreal." What a world we live in where the perfect blend of therapy and technology is in the form of a 20 year old video game. As we all know exercise is one of the most important factors in the upkeep of our mental health and happiness. Individuals who suffer from depression lack the energy, motivation, and many times are debilitated by their social anxiety. But according to ScienceAlert, individuals who suffer from depression are able to find a reason through Pokémon Go to get out of their house and exercise. Playing this game is almost a 1-2-punch for those in need of a positive activity. The game aspect (collecting Pokémon and controlling gym locations) is challenging and rewarding to the player, therefore releasing dopamine and making them feel good or happy about playing. While the exercise aspect has various health benefits and also releases chemicals such as endorphins, elevating the mood of the player. Individuals with anxiety can play alone if they wish while still reaping the benefits of exercise and playing a challenging game. And in my opinion the chances of striking up a friendly conversation with passer-byers about a mutual interest such as Pokémon Go is an added bonus and a good way to increase confidence in social situations.
Encourages exercise: Many comments have poured in over the Internet about the physical effects of hunting Pokémon for the last week. Some individuals have commented that they had tracked themselves walking over 5 miles in just a few hours while playing Pokémon Go. Since the game encourages movement in order to find creatures to catch, one must constantly be on the move. This has helped motivate many children and adults to ditch the couch for walking shoes in order to keep up with their friends playing the game. Some have even gone as far as to name Pokémon Go the most successful fitness app of all time.
What We Know: Cons
There are a few things to mention, but nothing that is too worry-some to take away from the fun of the game. Just keep in mind:
Injury: Yes, I know what you are thinking, people are getting injured from playing a video game? Unfortunately we cannot control the outside world like we can in our own living room. People have been reportedly getting hit by cars, falling off of cliffs, as well as hitting other cars/drivers or obstructions due to their eyes being glued to the screen hunting for Pokémon. Don't Poké and Drive. Secondly, people are being increasingly robbed or mislead through geo-located stops in the game used as bait or traps. Keep your head up, try not to go alone, and be aware of your surroundings.
Data Charges: Do you want to experience stress, high blood pressure, and anxiety? Just wait until your monthly phone bill comes in the mail. As companies have eliminated Unlimited Data Plans in recent years, the data usage must be managed within what your plan states. Since this game is mostly played in random locations, WiFi is almost not an option. On most smartphones there are pretty simple ways to check your data usage...so do it...on the regular. The last thing we all want is for the cell phone companies to get a large payday from the release of this game.
Bottomline:
The most important thing is to have fun and stay safe. It's easy to get wrapped up in the game but keep your head up when crossing the street, entering property that could be hazardous or considered trespassing, and even remain conscious of who is in your surroundings. And lastly, remember to take some time and enjoy the outdoors.
Sources:
Nelson, Randy. (2016). Mobile Users Are Spending More Time in Pokémon Go than Facebook. Sensor Tower. https://sensortower.com/blog/pokemon-go-usage-data
Shanahan, D.F., Bush, R., Gaston, K.J., Lin, B.B., Dean, J., Barber, E., & Fuller, R.A. (2016). Health Benefits from Nature Experiences Depend on Dose. Scientific Reports. Issue 6, Article Number: 28551. http://www.nature.com/articles/srep28551
MacDonald, Fiona. Pokémon Go is Reportedly Helping People with Their Depression. Science Alert. July 12, 2016. http://www.sciencealert.com/pokemon-go-is-reportedly-helping-people-with-their-depression