Pokémon Go between dangers and fun: a guide for mothers
If you have a child, surely you have said it too: "Don't always stay at home in front of video games, go out for a while!". Well: this sentence no longer makes sense.
With Pokémon Go, video games follow us even outside the home.
Pokémon Go is the game in the form of an app that is depopulating in America: the reactions of those who have already used Pokémon Go are a mixture of dementia and genius that demonstrate how Pokémon are invading our world and revolutionizing our way of life and of meaning a video game.
It won't be long before your children want to play with it: for this reason, it is important to know what Pokémon Go is, how it works and what are the possible risks.
So it's Pokémon Go
See also
Pokémon Go is the game of Niantic and The Pokémon Company: it can be downloaded from the app store, is compatible with both iOS and Android and is a free-to-play video game, that is free but expandable for a fee.
It works by exploiting the principles and mechanisms of augmented reality. In simple terms, the term "augmented reality" indicates the integration and interaction of the real world with the virtual one. Augmented reality, when combined with a smartphone, allows us to interact in a simple and intuitive way with what surrounds us. We could, for example, discover information about streets and monuments ... or, capture a Bulbasaur.
How Pokémon Go works and how to play
Once you have downloaded the app, understanding how Pokémon Go works is simple. You will need to link the game to a Google account and then choose the avatar that will represent you as a trainer. Pokémon Go works via GPS: based on where you are, it automatically generates Pokémon in the vicinity, notifying you of their presence.
The main screen of the app is similar to Google Maps: your avatar moves around the space with you in search of new Pokéballs to throw. This is the Pokémon Go revolution: it is not enough to be in front of a device to play , you have to get out of the house and move around, as only by exploring new places will it be possible to catch new Pokémon.
Pokémon Go: what are the risks and dangers for children and teenagers?
Wandering around in search of Pokémon can be risky.In Missouri, for example, a group of boys took advantage of the search for Pokémon to rob some trainers who had gone into disreputable places. Before being arrested, the group robbed eleven players.
Not only thieves, but hookers too can hide behind a Pokéball. The President of Telefono Azzurro, Ernesto Caffo, commented on the release of Pokémon Go as follows:
In the virtual world, unfortunately, age differences are nullified. And this risks being a major source of dangers for minors, who find themselves alone and without defenses, exposed to the aims of criminals
For this reason, Telefono Azzurro has launched the Become a Digital Supporter campaign, with the aim of establishing a network of digital volunteers ready to disseminate useful information and report potential dangers.
Not only can playing Pokémon Go be dangerous, but installing it can also be risky. In fact, hacked versions are circulating that can infect your smartphone. Make sure you always download the original version from your app store.
How Pokémon Go can be good for your child
Therefore? Given the risks and dangers Pokémon GO can attract, shouldn't you let your child play with it? No: however, it would end up doing it secretly. The important thing is to make sure that you are not trying to run after a Charmender in an isolated and anything but inviting warehouse.
It is difficult to keep children busy: among the activities that you can offer to your children once school is over, there is the organization of a summer cooperative, that is a group of parents who are willing to hold a group of children in turn. children. So why not gather Pokémon-loving moms and dads to entertain their kids with Pokéballs?
In this way you will be calmer and, we promise you that, once you have tried, you will never want to stop either.
© Pokémon GO
Pokémon Go does not only hide negative and worrying aspects. Psychologist John M. Grohol analyzed the behavior of some Pokémon Go players, highlighting how the game had unexpectedly alleviated their symptoms of depression and anxiety. Pokémon Go motivates teens and adults to leave the house, which many fitness apps do not achieve. In addition, most Pokémon are located near green spaces: thus, the possibility of being in contact with nature increases, thereby alleviating the bad mood and worries.
