Pokemon GO is a positive cultural force that promotes increased physical activity and social interactions. Contrary to popular belief that games don’t benefit society and have negative side effects, Pokemon GO is a revolutionary game that has helped many people see the benefits of gaming. Many studies have shown that Pokemon GO players have reported themselves having increased social interactions, as well as physical activity.
A literature review study by Nigel Cartlidge, a professor at Bonds University in Australia, combined 36 peer-reviewed articles with 120 web articles and found that 60% of the studies reviewed had participants showing an increase in daily steps after downloading the game. Another study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that players experience, on average, an increase of 50 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week and a 25% increase in physical activity level over 30 days. The majority of players showing an increase in physical activity shows that Pokemon GO’s benefits extend to all sorts of players as well, as the range of people surveyed consisted of people of varying genders, weights, statuses, and previous physical activity levels.
Pokemon GO’s impact extends to many different groups and demographics in the community, showing that it also promotes interaction between these groups as it gives strangers something in common to bond over.