Impact of Playing Pokémon Go on Wellness

Abstract

The

Effects of Augmented Reality (AR) Game on Human Health

“…Theoretically, the gameplay would strengthen existing friendships and encourage to make new friends. However, the correlation between playing Pokémon and social well-being was not statistically significant [14]. Nevertheless, the social nature of AR games facilitates the formation of player networks, both locally and internationally.…”

“…Further, playing the game could bring positive impacts on players' emotional wellness which predicted enhanced overall well-being [14]. However, the reasons why playing AR game associated with players' mental health has not yet been fully explored.…”

Effects of Pokémon GO on Physical Activity and Psychological and Social Outcomes: A Systematic Review

“…Ewell and colleagues [ 27 ] also reported that daily time spent playing the game led to greater social interaction with both friends and strangers. However, Nikou and colleagues [ 64 ] reported contrasting findings that Pokémon GO play was not significantly associated with social integration, suggesting individuals perhaps play the game with existing friends rather than forming new relationships. Based on the findings, we speculate that although players do encounter strangers and new neighbors while playing the game, those encounters may not reach the significant magnitude, or the new relationships will not be sustained to make meaningful lasting interactions [ 64 ].…”

“…However, Nikou and colleagues [ 64 ] reported contrasting findings that Pokémon GO play was not significantly associated with social integration, suggesting individuals perhaps play the game with existing friends rather than forming new relationships. Based on the findings, we speculate that although players do encounter strangers and new neighbors while playing the game, those encounters may not reach the significant magnitude, or the new relationships will not be sustained to make meaningful lasting interactions [ 64 ]. Another plausible reason for the mixed findings may be due to various samples, as individuals had different motivations for playing the game and those who played the game with the goal of increasing PA or having fun did not perceive that they had much social interaction [ 37 ].…”

“…In the game, Pokémon GO players train their motor skills, reaction skills, and make strategic decisions when catching Pokémon and fighting in gym battles beyond needing to memorize Pokémon’s movement patterns during the phase they try to catch it. All of these challenges can influence mental stimulation [ 64 ]. Interestingly, some researchers did not find any significant positive impact of the game in enhancing children’s working memory [ 31 , 40 ], while another study [ 21 ] showed improvement in memory among young adults after the game play.…”