Community Chat

[september]

Okay...my next question.  Someone has their phone out.  They could be reading a text, using their GPS, or doing other phone related things. Unless you hear them saying they're  looking for a character, how do you know?

[Shorty2U]

Nope I have not seen anyone playing it. But my son in law did because his work place is a target. He saw a guy walk into a parked car while staring at his phone.

I personally dont know any one that plays this game at all. Everyone I know is too busy working and doing activities (you know having a real life), not staring at their phones 24/7 (thankfully!).

[september]

I personally don't know anyone playing it (as far as I know). And since I've not seen anyone playing it, I'm thinking it's been way over hyped 

[JustJazzmom]

When I read a text on my phone or respond to one, I am not walking but standing still. The people I saw were walking in a group staring at their phones.

Do most people walk when texting or reading a text? IDK

[sunshine45]

it really isnt that much different than geocaching that has become popular over the years OR consider it a "new fashioned scavenger hunt."

[september]

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@JustJazzmom wrote:

When I read a text on my phone or respond to one, I am not walking but standing still. The people I saw were walking in a group staring at their phones.

Do most people walk when texting or reading a text? IDK

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Yes!  That's why there are so many clips on YouTube of people walking into fountains,trees, and other objects while staring at their phones! 

[JustJazzmom]

I saw the video of the woman who fell into the fountain. Too funny.

[beach-mom]

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@september wrote:

Okay...my next question.  Someone has their phone out.  They could be reading a text, using their GPS, or doing other phone related things. Unless you hear them saying they're  looking for a character, how do you know?

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Yes. My kids play. They are constantly looking at their phones. DS is social. He has told me about meeting strangers while they're all trying to get the same Pokemon. I have told HIM about how many people have been swindled while hunting for the characters! They assure me they are very careful.

It wasn't that long ago that a bunch of little boys were sitting upstairs on the bedroom floor trading cards - or at least it doesn't seem like that long ago! 

[PamelaSue72]

There are quite a few people playing in my area, from kids to adults. I play.

You don't have to have your phone out to be on the lookout for Pokemon. I'm to the point where I have my phone in my pocket and when something is in the area, it will vibrate to tell me. Then I'll get it out and capture or hit the PokeStop. Not so much the Gym because I've just started and I'm not ready for battles yet.

I do have a full time job, so I go out at lunch (since I walk anyway during lunch). DH and I will go out at night; I don't walk alone. Last night, we were at our mall and people were playing there.  Stopped at the pizza place and grabbed a slice of pizza for our supper. And started talking to another couple who were there hunting and had stopped for a quick drink. We went to Target to pick up a meds prescription and a couple guys were out with their phones. They told me where to look and I collected a Pokemon, too.

Some fast food places are advertising that they have Pokemon....they have said that their foot traffic (and hence food and drink sales) have increased dramatically. A local donut shop has a Pokemon....I was talking to a clerk and she says their business has really increased because people come in (even though you don't have to go inside most of the time), collect their Pokemon, then sit down for a quick cup of coffee and a donut.....evidently, they figure they're walking the calories back off. Many of the businesses think it's pretty cool that they have Pokemon around.  They really like to advertise them.

I've seen parents playing with their kids. One woman told me last night that she never used to get as much exercise as she does now because she's out with her kids....she won't let them go alone. I talked to a guy yesterday at lunch who was out walking his neighbor's dog while hunting; his neighbors are on vacation and he's watching the dog for them. He was having a great time! And I think the dog was, too! They were along the creek, looking for water Pokemon, so it wasn't too awfully hot there for the dog. Cute dog, too, really friendly.

I have no problem walking over to somebody who I think might be playing and asking the person. People love to chat about the game....I have found that out. I'm learning a lot just by talking to people. And I always thank them for taking the time to talk to me.

[chvall99]

My son played last weekend...he was visiting a friend in a college town and lots of folks were out having fun. We both remarked on the fact that this game actually got hard-core gamers out of their basements and couches and out into the world!  There have been very interesting posts from some that have sore muscles because they have not exercised in ages or others with social anxiety disorder that have left their house for the first time in months. So a positive thing for many.  My son had fun with it but he is not going to be playing again any time soon.  He is leading backpacking group on a service trip in the Smokey Mountains.  Limited cell phone coverage!