Pokemon Go: Signs You're Addicted to Stardust, and How to Kick Your Addiction

[the_boss]

With the new PokemonGo on the popular rise we have a new phase of gaming now, mobile and reality based.

This is the new Halo 3 of XB1, the DOTA of PC, the GTA of PS2 ... Pokemon has stepped in YOUR life and now ironically the game caught YOU in it!

I've been playing now for a few days, managed to be a level 17 going on 18 and I can say I've walked more than ever before! I've hatched my eggs roughly five times, and I can say I've at least walked 25 kilometers in a week. The game has helped me get a kickstart to exercising. Why did I need a game to do this? Because I have realized walking for me has been boring, but mainly because the game requires you to walk, bike or the lazy but efficient drive around method to get to certain pokemon in certain areas of your city. I've even gotten to socialize with strangers that otherwise I wouldn't have if I didn't immediately notice a common ground! Very cool game!

Now as I played this I was catching as many pokemon as I ran into. Everywhere I went, Poke-time came along. And I mean everywhere. Even during personal time, at work, driving 《:O (Yes I'm sorry if you were behind or near me), and time with my girl and kids. This is when I realized, I was addicted to Poke-Heroin, or stardust (PokemonGo currency for those that don't know) if you'd like. I'm giving myself my own intervention and I hope this helps you guys. Let's first diagnose symptoms of "Stardust":

•High anticipation of wanting to play and can't stop thinking about playing even when busy with other tasks.

•You feel like your missing out on a pokemon by not playing.

•Staying up later than usual.

•Completely submerged in the game and having moments of time gaps in your own brain's internal clock.

•Not paying as much attention to people close to you, especially family.

•Not keeping track of hours played

There are more gaming symptoms but these are the common basic effects. Now granted regular cell phone use caused some of these effects, but it's become more intensified with PokemonGo gameplay.

Now if you're disagreeing, it's okay it may be denial. Although it is a game and it is very addicting (except when the servers are down which feels like every 10 minutes) it does have its perks.

•You have to leave your home to play.

•You get the chance to exercise, or walk while doing it. Otherwise you could just sit at home and play another game or watch a movie. Which is healthier? Hmm ...

•You get to meet people! Yes! If they're on their phone the chances are high they're playing also. Feel free to speak out especially if there's a rare pokemon near.

•You get to notice small areas you didn't know were near you before. Water fountain display, small garden art, small ponds, restaurants and much more!

• Play with friends, family no matter the age. Seriously ... I've seen people over 50 years old playing! And for some reason I'm not judging ... should I? Nope, be content!

Like most things in life, it's not bad for you in moderation and consideration. I will provide some tips for those that have been deeply hooked into this game and can be a little too attached.

•First, limit your gameplay time. It is still a screen your looking at. I would recommend about an hour, two hours MAX of use with many 1 minute eye breaks. One every 10 minutes at the least. Don't worry if you have to take a sneak peak ... do it fast!

•Consider your partner, if you have one, your family and friends. If they aren't playing it's respectful courtesy, not common courtesy, to spend time with them and cell phone aside. Many of us need to work on simply keeping a cell phone away. GUILTY!

• Invite someone to play with you. As stated it can be a social game so meet new people! Introverts now have a common ground to share and be extroverted. Not only to meet people, but it's safer to have someone you trust with you too. Especially on downtimes, enjoy small talk. Pillow talk! Just kidding :)

•For now it's still a game. I understand some games have now been turned into careers. For now, PokemonGo isn't. Don't let it take over your life, unless if it can sustain you and help pay your bills.

•Lastly, seriously people. I can't belief I'm saying it but if you're playing and driving, it's only going to be a matter of time before you get into an accident. Or incident. I work for a major insurance company and let me tell you ... I've heard of many car accidents. Some people say they're excellent drivers ... I get calls from people who haven't had an incident in thirty years! And unfortunately deers don't know how to drive. Potholes don't move away from your car. Pedestrians aren't as fast. If you're willing to risk to pay your deductible if you should owe one, be ready to pay more on your monthly payment.

Be safe, considerate and smart. Go catch them all!

[Anonymous]

You gave a warning about how dangerous it is to play and drive, but earlier in the Take you admitted that YOU did it while driving.

I get it, I'm a Poke fan myself, but you absolutely cannot play while driving. Plus, it doesn't really work well while driving. I've tried to play while my brother is driving. Sometimes the pokestops load in time, but mostly they don't. And you go too fast so it doesn't count your km as steps for egg hatching.

[the_boss]

That's correct! I did, and that's why I said it because I've seen it done so much also. But I changed my ways :) a brand new man!

[Opinion Owner]

sounds good!