How Does Bekemon Go Influence American Culture

Pokémon Go was created in 1996 and gained popularity through video games, trading cards, and the cartoon that came out in 1997. Twenty years later the world of Pokémon has evolved and on July 6, 2016 a mobile app company known as Niantic released Pokémon Go and it blew up like no one was expecting (Ang). Pokémon Go blends aspects of fantasy with the real world. In this augmented reality players walk around their neighborhoods and discover, catch, and evolve Pokémon characters. This mobile app rose to popularity very quickly and draws people from all generations. Pokémon Go has proven to be a beneficial app for some and a detrimental app to others but Pokémon Go ultimately reveals how extremely dependent the American culture is on technology.
According to Justin Arndt, a fitness consultant, “Pokémon Go also gives the exercise an interesting, fun twist. Kids are exercising not because they are being forced to, but because they want to accomplish something in the game.” He goes on to mention that being more active, in kids, teens, and adults, creates a better appetite and usually leads to a better night’s sleep, all being healthy side-effects of exercise. Though it is getting people out and walking, they are still dependent on their smart phone and therefore are looking at their phones and not being entirely safe all of the time. People have reported injuries, such as twisted ankles, sunburns, walking into streets full of moving cars, and near car crashes because they were so focused on catching a Pokémon (Park). Besides a lack of paying attention leading to injuries, it also leads to accidental disrespect. People have been found on memorials and other historical sites because they are desperately searching for the next Pokémon that is found solely on their phone. In the augmented reality game there are ‘Poké-Stops.’ ‘Poké-Stops’ are placed at landmarks, historical monuments, churches, schools, or any other place that is not just your everyday average gas station down the road. At ‘Poké-Stops’ you are rewarded with ‘Poké-balls’ which are then used to catch new Pokémon. One ‘Poké-Stop’ can be found
People with depression and anxiety are finding hope in the mobile game. People who struggle to converse with others are finding help in the smartphone app. Individuals who don’t leave their home or kids who would rather play video games are getting outside more and becoming more active on their quests to catch all the Pokémon. Pokémon Go also has downfalls. People have to be on their phones, more than they usually are, to play the game. People are lacking attention in areas that require more attention and are hurting themselves because they are playing with technology. People are also entering sacred memorials and lands where people don't want to be distracted by people just stopping by to play a game. The American culture functions on the use of technology. It is now seven months since Pokémon Go was first released. The popularity has started to decrease. You don't look at public parks and just see people catching Pokémon anymore. Though the popularity of this smartphone app may continue to decrease, the American culture will continue to increases it’s dependency on