Backyard and Beyond

Starting out from Brooklyn, an amateur naturalist explores our world.

As John Burroughs said, “The place to observe nature is where you are.”

Pokemon Go This

IMG_8955If I understand it correctly, the children (of all ages, horrifyingly enough) playing this game are “capturing” virtual cartoons in “real life.” I can’t say I see the appeal. There is entirely too much life to explore in this life, on this world, in this neighborhood.

You can’t see the detail in the picture here, but it’s summer and that means multiple species of dragon- and damselfly, half a dozen butterfly species, bees of all sorts, one being eaten by a Eastern Kingbird, and much more, not to mention the plants, plants, plants!flowers

mthew

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4 responses to “Pokemon Go This”

  1. Susan

    You’re right Matthew. There is so
    much beauty all around us, here and now.

    Reply
  2. Paul Lamb

    Pokemon Go is being credited with getting the basement lurkers out into the real world (for a virtual quest) and not only giving them actual exercise but cause for social interaction. (Seriously. Mental illness advocates have promoted the “sport” as a treatment for some conditions of social impairment.) Perhaps once they’ve spent some time out among others and nature, they will come to appreciate the wild more than they thought they might. At the very least, the added sunlight will possibly improve their levels of vitamin D.

    Reply
    1. mthew

      Not invalid points. But I’d like to see some efficacy measurements on all this anecdotal hopefulness.

      The flip side is that nature will just be seen as just another arena for corporate-driven entertainment. Evidence suggests this will not be beneficial.

      Meanwhile, everyone playing is essentially telling a corporation every move they make. This might be fine for the app-saturated adult (although I don’t think it is) but it can’t be good for children.

      Reply
  3. Hazel

    “I can’t say I see the appeal. There is entirely too much life to explore in this life, on this world, in this neighborhood.”

    I thought the same. I’d rather go watch real wildlife!

    Reply

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