Well, if you couldn't tell by the picture then I'll just go ahead and tell you what this week's post is about.... The new virtual reality app-Pokemon Go!
For those of you who don't know, Pokemon Go is a virtual reality app that uses your smart phone's GPS and camera to allow you to catch monsters in the real world. While I have never played this game, I have seen friends and Patrons playing with this app and it does seem to be a fun and interactive way to have people get up and get active!
However, like every game or gadget there are always downfalls. For one, people seem to be so absorbed with the game that sometimes they don't seem to see anything else in the real world. For example, I was driving to my friend's house the other day so we could go for a hike together. As I was turning on to her street, a man walks out into the street with his phone in his face, playing Pokemon Go. Luckily, I saw him in enough time where I could stop and avoid hitting him, but he did not seem to be at all bothered that he was walking out into open traffic to find a Pokemon monster. This is also a good example of why you should not play Pokemon Go while you are driving.
There have also been complaints of people trespassing onto Private Property or to National Parks/Memorials. In these instances, if you are going to partake in Pokemon on private property, then explain to the owner what you are doing and hopefully, they will let you take a look around to snag that monster!
When playing Pokemon, try using the buddy system as much as you can. There have been several reports of violent acts, such as robberies, of people who have gone out alone to play and end up being robbed. Parents, if your child is going to play Pokemon Go, invite yourself along or make sure they have a trusted adult with them while they are playing.
For Pokemon Go, they want to access your Google data (including browsing history, emails, etc), which could potentially be a breach in security. The founders of Pokemon Go are working on a way to make sure that players' information is not being breached, but until then be careful!
Now, I don't want anyone to think that I am just listing the downfalls of playing the game so let's get on to the positives now.. Shall we?
As I mentioned earlier, in order to catch the monsters you have to GO OUTSIDE and look for them. This is such a fun way for kids to get active, that they really aren't even thinking about the physical aspect of it. Also, they receive a reward (the monster) for their physical activity.
Another great thing about this app is it allows people to see certain places that they may have never seen otherwise. On a recent camping trip, I saw a few people wandering through the woods looking for monsters. While they were looking through the woods, they were absolutely in awe of the state park they were walking through and I heard one of them say "I probably never would have come here on my own". Our Library is a Pokestop and we have had several people come in to look for monsters and some of them have signed up for Library cards or even just perused through our shelves. Thank you, Pokemon Go!
I am attaching a few articles I have found that give some useful tips for playing and keeping safe.
- http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/PokeManners-Your-Guide-to-Safety-and-Etiquette-While-Playing-Pokemon-GO-386507671.html
- http://www.slj.com/2016/07/technology/applications/pokemon-go-what-do-librarians-need-to-know/
- http://www.thewrap.com/how-to-play-pokemon-go-12-tips-and-tricks-for-beginners-photos/3/
Hope this information helps you have a fun and safe time while Playing Pokemon Go! Any questions, comments.. Just type them in our comment box below!