Does Pokemon Go make us healthier?

[Ben1]

Hey everyone!

Just read a really interesting article on Vice about how many people who are experiencing mental illnesses are really enjoying Pokemon Go. I'm wondering if anyone has any similar stories. Have you found you are outside more because of the game? and has it positively impacted your mental health?

Thanks so much guys!
-Ben

[Lost_Girl]

Hi Sherie,

Yes, you need a smart mobile device with iOS or Android operating systems. The app can then be downloaded for use.

The game works by using your phone’s GPS for your real-world location. As you move, walk around the game will indicate if there are pokemon nearby. These are all types of creatures.

By using augmented reality the app will show the pokemon on your device screen overlaid on top of what you see in front of you (by using your camera).

You then have a pokeball appear on the screen and you need to flock the ball at the creature to catch it.

Once caught, it will show up in a digital collection. There are some more complexities as you move up levels in the game but that's the basics.

Hope that helps

[Guest_5218]

Oh okay, thanks Carol. I kind of get it now .. I think.

So not only do you need a smart mobile devise, you also need a GPS and a camera!

I dont think I need this game ......... and it sounds as though James is not that keen either. Thanks for your input there James.

I will stick to my outdated old faithful mobile that just does what I need - a way of being reached when I'm out and about if needed, and for emergencies like breakdowns on a country road. Provided you're in mobile range!

Sherie xx

[blondguy]

Hi Ben...your thread is a good one 🙂

I asked Carol a few posts ago if it can work on my Xperia and I know it will but my question was if it will work on a bigger platform than a 5" Sony screen?

Hi James (sorry to hijack your thread Ben) When I use a playstation its when I need to take time out for me..so I do agree with you that you wouldnt use Pokemon in public as a distraction. Maybe if I was stuck and needed a distraction at home I will download it and give it a go to alleviate any depression/bad thoughts for sure (great input on the forums by the way)

Paul

[Ben1]

Hey guys!

Sorry I haven't been able to post for a few days but I had a lovely surprise when I logged back on and saw everyone interacting on this thread! There are so many interesting thoughts on here, not about Pokemon go, but any way to have healthy distractions.

In reply to James 1, I completely agree with your concerns. I like to play the game if I'm walking by myself and I feel a bit bored, but it's important not to get too lost in our devices. Still, I think apps and ideas like these have great potential.

Thanks Paul for all your kind words and keeping the forum active, I would love to hear more from all of you and your experiences.

And Lost Girl! I'm so happy you had a positive experience with your kids and all is going well, how have you been feeling in the last few days?

Thanks everyone,

-Ben

[Ben1]

+ Paul I like your bolding names strategy, makes it so much easier to read!

[Lost_Girl]

Hi Ben,

I'm going back on ADs tonight so hope to feel better soon.

I used Pokemon Go today as I had to walk from the shops to my Dr as parking is a challenge between 9 and 4 there. It was good as I could avoid eye contact with others. However I also felt a bit worried that people would think it was odd I was playing.

I enjoy it though, it's simple but fun. I like collecting things.

[blondguy]

Hey Ben...no worries 🙂 and thanks for the post back too!

This is is really great thread.....Is there any ads on Pokemon Go?.....not that its a big deal...I know that Nintendo just had a $9 Billion dollar jump in their global trade value after releasing Pokemon Go...and good on them..

Paul

[james1]

No ads! I think they're hoping to get the money from the data they collect and the small in-game purchases (really not necessary to buy anything though).

But the frequent crashes are just as annoying as ads...

[blondguy]

Hi James, thanks for that 🙂 Does the horsepower(RAM) of a phone help minimise crashes?

[james1]

Unfortunately not. They're server issues and just instability of the application. I have friends with the newest phones who still get crashes just as frequently. It's enough to be annoying, but not enough to put me off playing every now and then (I gave it a go when I went for a walk in the park last night).