CATCHING virtual critters on Pokémon GO has a tendency to be more addictive than other online games.
Experts say the risk of being addicted to the highly-popular game is increased because it is a feast for the senses.
This is especially since it is an augmented reality game, which requires players to have a live direct or indirect view of their physical surroundings.
“The risk of addiction is increased as there are multiple sensory bombardments that sustain playing Pokémon GO.
“Such sensory bombardments are continuous, leading to pleasure and satisfaction highs once players level up in the game and are motivated to continue,” explains Universiti Sains Malaysia criminologist and psychologist Dr Geshina Ayu Mat Saat.
She says this can be dangerous as it makes individuals dependent on the game for pleasure or happiness and some people may confuse the two.
“It could also lead to despair when the game is concluded, when they experience problems, or when a level objective could not be met.
“These are similar responses that an addict experiences. Normal functioning is disrupted, the least being in terms of sleeping and eating patterns,” Dr Geshina says.
Other aspects that could be affected are family interaction, work-life balance, carrying out responsibilities and daily tasks.
Dr Geshina finds that there are pros and cons to playing the game.
“On one hand, players will get more physical exercise, apply problem-solving skills, and have some social interaction when they meet other players in real life,” she says.
But on the other hand, too much focus on their phones may narrow their perception, leading to selective attention on the immediate environment to fulfil the needs of the game rather than a genuine appreciation of the outdoors.
“Social interaction may be limited to brusque questions of where the characters are, rather than polite or pleasant queries to initiate meaningful conversation,” says Dr Geshina.
She also notes that there is also a possibility that players, especially children, will be unable to separate between reality and the game as it blurs the lines and makes players a living game avatar.
Malaysian Mental Health Association deputy president and consultant psychiatrist Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj Chandrasekaran says people are generally eager to embrace new technology and will surely warm up to augmented reality games like Pokémon GO.
Describing the game as “taking it one step further”, he says one positive point of the game is that it can motivate people to get out more and connect with others with common interests.
“This is particularly relevant to people with introverted personalities and those suffering from depression.”
Dr Andrew, however, points out that the game can be a double-edged sword and could also work negatively in making people more engrossed in their phones.
“Ultimately, technology must be embraced for the right purpose – be it for recreational, therapeutic or competitive purposes.
“Technology can also be harmful, destroy interpersonal relationship, affect social cohesion, blur the lines between appropriate and inappropriate behaviour and cause confusion between reality and the virtual world.
“Knowing how to embrace technology in a balanced manner is the answer,” he says.
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