time, the same numbers are
plugged into the formula
that puts Pokémon into the
world.
It’s important to note that
the Pokémon don’t actually
“exist” at a single point, so
no one is going to come
to your house looking for
a specific catch (though
less sensible players may
bumble through a back yard
without realizing it).
Is it safe?
By itself, sure. It’s a
compromise on the oldfolks gripe that kids spend too much time
on “their screens” and never go outside. The
game requires physical activity to properly
work, so it promotes exercise, and in terms
of content, it’s less violent or controversial
than modern Disney movies (which are
pretty darn baby-safe).
Danger comes into the picture when we
account for modern humanity’s notoriously
bad phone habits. If texting while you drive
is playing with fire, hunting for Pokémon
on the freeway is like belly flopping into
a volcano. Similarly, players have to be
cautious to watch where they’re going
when they walk around, making sure to
stay out of the street, avoid trespassing on
private property and stay in safe places. The
game opens every session with a warning
to stay alert, so if that rule is obeyed, there’s
not much to fear.
8
What does it cost?
It’s free, assuming players don’t decide to
buy anything. Everything from tools to
catch Pokémon to healing potions that
revive them after fights can be bought with
real, actual money. All these items can also
be found for free at Pokéstops.
Can it track me?
For evil? No. In general, sure, but only in the
same way that nearly every other app and
device in the modern world can track you.
Generally, if a person has a smartphone,
tablet or computer, they’re in a database
somewhere, and Pokémon Go probably isn’t
the key that opens the floodgates for the
forces of darkness to get trackin’. ✻
August 2016
INSIGHT