Story by Elizabeth Schoof, Saint Reporter

Photo courtesy of tcea.org

When Pokémon GO came out in July, I expected it to be like any other app. It would be raved about for a few weeks before it fell into the same category as Flappy Bird and Candy Crush. Nearly four months after its release, Pokémon GO is still popular, and if I’m being honest? I think that’s frightening.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve heard people talk about how great the game is. For instance, it can encourage  socialization and exercise. However, this does not change the fact that it allows individuals to delve deeper into an imaginary world than ever before.

Instead of getting outside and enjoying the real world, “Trainers” are getting outside to capture imaginary creatures. Blurring the lines between fantasy and reality is a dangerous thing, especially through a game as easily transported as Pokémon GO. Rather than pay attention to the people they’re with or their current surroundings, many players are focused on the goals of the game.

When people invest their time into something of pure fantasy, their real lives are bound to suffer. This game’s reach is so massive—there are pokemon everywhere.  It makes the game entertaining, but it also tempts people to pull out their phones rather than focus on the individuals that they are with. Nothing good can come from placing videogames above real life experiences.

If people want to “be the very best like no one ever was,” they should focus more on the world around them.