Pokemon Go Problems
As a concerned mother, I investigate anything unusual or suspicious concerning my sons activities. I realized that the new game “Pokemon Go” is a huge hit with my son and other’s in my community! Not even one week out, people, students and teens are out at night, wondering around in our parks looking at their phones! This arouses concern, as a mother! My son said that this new game helps people get off their couches and exercise while “gaming!” Sounds great, was my first impression!!! There is a local christian college, here in town, that thankfully without the addition of drugs or alcohol, is family oriented! Many courses are offered on campus for young adults that are marriage related! I chose to live here years ago, after living in large cities most my life. This was the perfect town to raise children! I have just recently heard stories now about Pokemon Go. It is the “buzz” of the town. Thankfully my son is older and not marching around town like a zombie in the wee hours of the morning! But this does not stop my concern for our youth! I just read of a post of a black man, Omari Akil, who’s avatar is a female. He posted that for a black male, wondering around may arouse suspicion from the community. Unfortunately I realized he may be right! Coming from larger cities, I could see how this would concern certain individuals who do not know about this game! He stated how people started starring at him, and that if he was to wonder and continuously pace in front of someones window, he would be basically putting his life at risk!! Putting myself in his situation, I realized he was right.
This has brought me new insight to this mans life. I have listened to the news on the radio and lately there has been many careless murders involving black men and our local police officers in communities. I don't know if this is based on the new game download, but it has aroused my suspicions! I have only read two things about Pokemon Go, as it may lead more individuals to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. OR, the right place at the right time! My son stated how a individual was recording his gaming techniques and came across a man murdering a woman………………WHAAATTT!!! He lost his job from repeated calls to his employer and the police. This made him make a statement that he is a father trying to raise a family and he began crying. I can already see what risks can be involved when playing this game, as well as the benefits. It is definitely a game to look into before I would send a child out on a scavenger hunt like this in a community that you may not know well. Lets look at the pro’s and con’s of this game!
Pro’s-Benefits of Pokemon Go!:
- You are physically involved -Instead of being a vegetable on your couch, you are exercising and getting outside walking around looking for clues.
- You meet new people
- It is fun, actively engaged in a mystery with other individuals with the same plot
- Helps you get to know the area that you live in
Con’s-Disadvantages of Pokemon Go!:
- May arouse suspicions from non-players
- Playing all hours of the night, may put you at greater risk of harm
- May become prey for certain criteria of criminals
- Too focused on game to be aware of actual surroundings
- Government knows where you are at all times
What to do to prevent some of these problems?:
- Play with a friend (as a witness)
- Report regularly in to a guardian of your location
- Get to know the area and all pedophiles in area (free to public)
- Film or record your journey, document activities
Good luck to all who play this game! Be smart and get information and knowledge of this game before your children go play with strangers!
Sincerely,
Victoria