INSIGHT Magazine August 2016 | Page 8

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