Link – Pokemon Go’s mental health benefits are real

ByMikeM Reading Time: 2 minutes
pokemongo photo
Photo by edowoo

“Twitter is flooded with stories about Pokemon Go’s impact on players’ anxiety and depression, with thousands of people lauding the game for getting them out of the house and making it easier to interact with friends and strangers alike. These simple acts are crucial milestones for anyone struggling with depression, Grohol says.

“The challenge has always been, if you’re depressed, your motivation level is nonexistent,” he explains. “So, you want to go out and get some fresh air, or even take a shower, and it can be a very difficult thing to even comprehend, much less do. I think the impact of something like this, this game, can really be beneficial.””

Mock it if you will, but seriously, if something as silly as Pokemon can get people to go outside, walk around, and interact with others as they play the game and that can help with the symptoms of depression and anxiety, then it can’t be all bad.

I still worry a bit about the addictive personality folks, but really, there are a lot worse things to be addicted to than a game that makes you get exercise. Just be careful in traffic and don’t trespass, OK folks?

https://www.engadget.com/2016/07/13/pokemon-go-mental-health-science/

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