This smartphone game is all the rage.  The location-based augmented reality game has people so distracted that they are walking into cars, trespassing and ignoring their surroundings.

Players capture, battle and train virtual Pokémon (pocket monsters) who appear in the real world using GPS and the camera of compatible devices.

The problem is not that the game is fun and addicting.  It points to just how unappealing parts of our real lives may be in comparison.

People worried that we have become prisoners of our digital devices have every reason to worry as we find more and more ways to withdraw from the real world for the world of augmented reality.

Here’s a text from the Moorestown, NJ police:

Advisory: If you’re out taking part in the Pokémon GO game, respect residence and business property. Do not trespass! 

And if you’re concerned that we are turning into a world of robots chasing our lives on the smartphones, here is a way to achieve a healthy balance.

For every minute devoted to games and augmented reality experiences on digital devices, match it with in-person, 100% present face time with real live individuals.

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