Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Pokemon Go in a Flattened, Fractured World

HT: Trevin Wax

It would be easy to wave off this game as just a silly fad, and certainly most people who have taken it up are just having a little fun. But perhaps we have an opportunity here to step back and ask a few questions.
Why is this game so popular?
Why is it popular right now?
What need does it momentarily meet?
The popularity of Pokémon Go tells us something about American life in the 21st century. Many people experience the world as flattened out and devoid of wonder, and they worry that our society seems to be fracturing. These feelings create pressure points in our culture, and Pokémon Go provides a fleeting sense of relief.
You can read the rest.

No comments: