Pokemon Go and Life Expectancy?

Rhea Sodem
Staff Writer

    Over the summer, the new game Pokemon Go was released and has everyone catching Bulbasaurs and Charmanders. Originally, everyone thought this was just a normal iPhone game, but now it is starting to become a fitness app also. Statistics have shown that Pokemon Go could add on 2.83 years to user’s life. This app is making people move no matter their size, weight, or shape. Physical activity lowers the risk of mortality, therefore, expanding a user's life expectancy. Although the results may not immediate, Microsoft, after conducting a study, believes that in the long run the effects will be positive. Microsoft mentioned that games that promote public health are of importance to inactive Americans in our sedentary society. Pokemon Go usage has even surpassed Twitter. People are saying that this app is motivating people more than Fitbit. 
    According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, fewer than three in ten high schoolers get at least sixty minutes of physical activity every day. As teenagers in the peak of growing, this really affects their well-being. For many years, technology has tried to get people moving with things like Fitbits and Wii Fit. Now, with this game, people have been moving more than ever, and they are doing so despite the doubts on how long it will last and whether or not it’s safe to use. Once the game became popular, there were many stories about careless players and crime investigations surrounding Pokemon Go. Users are recommended to play safely and not to drive and play. There is also the side effect of muscle soreness near the neck because of constantly looking down at phones.  It is up to the users if they want to keep playing with these conflicts. There are pros and cons to everything after all. 

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​    Hopefully in the future, there will be signs of improvement on physical activity and social skills. For the first time a game has been created where it could result in new friendships while being active. With the prosperity of Pokemon Go, there may be inspiration for more games that encourage people to get off their couches. So start moving and catch those Pokemon!