Augmented reality smartphone game Pokemon Go :Its not all fun and games but also physical and mental exercise for players

New York July 18 Experts in US has found that there are health benefits from playing the augmented Reality (AR) smartphone game. Matt Hoffman, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Nursing,says that mentally and physically beneficial for people to play Pokemon Go as it pokes people to travel across the land, searching far and wide for a pokemon resulting in regular exercising.

Dr. John Grohol , an expert in technology’s impact on human behavior and mental health says,”In terms of the phenomena of people expressing the benefits of playing the game to their real-world mental health state,”

Twitter is flooded with stories about Pokemon Go‘s impact on players anxiety and depression.

Many people lauding the game for just getting them out of the house,moving around  and making interaction easier  with friends and strangers alike.

This being the first step in the recovery from depression plus walking improves your mental health.

It can also help people lose weight, stay in shape and build overall healthier bodies. So, what’s good for the body is also good for the mind.

Getting to Pokestops(which are locations in augmented reality ), catching different Pokemon and hatching the Poke eggs requires a lot of walking.

Players known as trainers in the game must walk one-six miles to hatch one egg.

Hoffman said the game also brings trainers at a certain place in search of Pokemon at Pokestops increasing social interaction ,a sense of belonging which has a positive impact on our emotional state and mental health.

Since Pokemon Go is a non-violent game, it also encourages families to walk around playing the game together.

He said that playing the game has also helped people discover new experiences and areas.

Hoffman emphasized players to watch be aware of surroundings when playing. “Remember, you should never play Pokemon Go while driving.”

If possible avoid playing in dark, isolated areas there have been reports of trainers being attacked or mugged,” he noted.

But for all of its positive health benefits, Pokemon Go has limits.

It may be a excellent motivator for players to leave their houses, get some mild exercise and meet new people, but it is not a substitute for professional treatment, Grohol says.