BellaZee

Apparently, some really creative armed robbers used Pokemon Go to lure in targets. If you didn’t know, which I had no clue, Pokemon Go basically is a mobile game in which people catch digital Pokemons by going to real-world locations. Or something like that. The full article is on Tech Times.

So, let’s not even take into account how creative these kids were – yes, they’re pretty much kids between 16 and 18 – and the fact that if they used half that creativity and channeled it into something legit, they’d make decent cash without the risks involved. What I’m curious about is whether or not this will have an impact on the app’s reputation.

I mean it’s not exactly every day that an app gets used to commit armed robbery. And while it’s not the app’s fault necessarily, I’m thinking there’s a good chance that some people might think so and it also doesn’t help that it’s been made public that criminals can use beacons in the app to draw in unsuspecting targets.

Or that officials are warning people about alerting strangers to their location when using the app. This might not be a warning about the app itself, but it’s still not a vote of confidence in it.

So, do you think that stuff like this will damage the rep of the app and, eventually, sales? I know that it’s often said that there’s no such thing as bad publicity but being held at gunpoint because of an app is taking things a little beyond the realm of bad publicity, don’t you think?

I’m pretty sure it will take a beating, even if not necessarily in the news. And I’m pretty sure a lot of parents will read that article and ban their kids from using the app. I’d do the same and not just because of one incident with armed robbers. People are getting so sucked into the game, they’re no longer looking where they’re going and are being injured because they’ve got their eyes glued to their screens. This is already a problem and the last thing we need is to make it even worse by making kids rush to various locations to catch a Pokemon without looking where they’re going.

GordonJ

Craigslist, backpage have been used to commit crimes, including murder. The changes made at craigslist, allowed for the rise of backpage, yet, the core business of craigslist is even stronger today.

It may just be the fad of the week. But there are many people working on business applications, trying to cash in on traffic, etc.

If they can drive, they're not kids. Below that age, parents should be aware of what they are doing, and can use the gps app (as pokemon go does) to keep an eye on where their kids are roaming.

It is a phenomenon, and the tech used to create it is just beginning, as VR evolves, integrated with other apps, gps, google maps, etc., it could be a huge boost to business.

It will be interesting to watch all that unfolds. Thanks for your post.

GordonJ

BellaZee

Thanks for chiming in Gordon. It will definitely be interesting to watch everything evolve. I think, though, that at least at first, we’re going to be hearing all sorts of unpleasant stories. VR is awesome but only if used in the right situations, like the stuff they’re doing for training law enforcement, military and even medical personnel. Or even for at-home gaming and entertainment.

The last thing we need, though, is a bunch of already-phone-happy folks who don’t pay attention to the world around them anymore having access to a VR system that distracts them even more when they’re out and about.

But I will have to disagree with you on one point. Just because they can drive doesn’t mean they aren’t kids. There are children out there who can use guns and do so. And they’re like 10 or 11. Does that mean they aren’t kids? Nope. Still kids.

And yes, parents can use GPS to keep track of their kids but all it takes is being stuck in one meeting for an hour where you can’t check up on them, or even a five-minute break where you’re not paying attention for the poop to hit the fan.

onehalf

These kids are really smart for their age. But I don't think this incident will greatly affect the reputation of the game since it is an isolated case.

outsource business solutions

wordsandthebees

On the flip side of this, I have seen a few articles recently discussing the benefits of Pokemon Go in curing teenage anxiety.

Let's face it, in today's electronic world, there's very little reason to leave the house if someone's mental state is putting the breaks on. We can socialise online and now even order our groceries. There's very little physiological need that we need to leave the house in order to meet.

Pokemon Go is the first thing in a while that has convinced some people with anxiety disorders to leave the house and there is much proof that it's enhancing people's state of mind right across the world. Surely this is a reason to celebrate.

I don't think that a few nasty incidents are going to put the phenomenon into decline, in fact, with valid counter-arguments becoming increasingly popular, I think this is just the start of things to come.

Look out for Sonic and SuperMario Go I say!