- 27/07/2016
- Category: Commentaries
Possible Harm
Eventhough the official release has not been available in most countries, Pokémon Go is already taking over the world: possibly contending Michael Jackson’s popularity! Impatiently waiting, Pokémon fans across the globe start digging through unofficial sources to download the game in the form of APK (Andorid application package) regardless the risks. The APK may contain various malwares as well. Slashgear reported that the modified app downloaded in non-official countries looks almost identical to the official release, however it installs a backdoor known as DroidJack, allowing hackers to gain remote access to Android devices, including sending message, accessing web history, modify contacts, make calls, and recording audio.[1] This warn us to be cautious in downloading the app. The best option is, still, to wait for its official release. Yet, if the desire to play is unbearable, players are highly sugested to download from trusted sources to avoid the unexpected consequences. In case the game is already downloaded, players can go to the app information via Settings menu to check whether the app containing unreasonable access to the devices.
Careless Society and Government’s Enemy
The locations of Pokéstop and Pokémon which are spread across the neighborhood, make people become real life ‘zombies’. Their eyes are glued to the screens, wandering carelessly to catch the cute monsters or grabbing items nearby. This careless behaviors often cause accidents on the street. Improper hunts in cemeteries are also reported, inviting condemnation for disrespecting the deceased. Even worse, the hype are suspected to cause decreasing working productivity. Players are also reported in some countries to hunt Pokémon in various vital/restricted facilities such as hospital, military base, and police office. The game is also suspected for its harmful potential feature: extracting personal data or governments’ classified information. This encourages some governments to ban or partially ban the game. For instance, Egypt government tried to ban the game even if the attempt failed, while Indonesia bans governmnet officials and army officers to play the game. Even if the phenomenon seems trivial, it reflects something serious: not all societies and governments are ready to welcome the impact of digital development in real life.
Even if many Pokémon trainers are playing the game unwisely (careless), any governments’ response by blocking or banning the specific game is an exaggeration, when strategic options such as using the game to attract tourists (via ‘lure’ activation) are available. Pokémon Go should not be blamed for addictions and other careless behaviors. It already exists long before the game invented and the attempts to separate players from Pokémon Go indicates that many governments fail to cope the issue since it never reduce people’s addiction to (any) game. To play a game is a nature of every individual: a recreational process to temporarily escape from (stressful) daily life. Even if it must be admitted that Pokémon Go is supposed to be restricted in several locations and time, instead of forcing someone to not playing the game at all, authorities must find ways to compromise Pokémon Go. Combining fun and educational activities is possible, like attracting children to hunt Pokémon in museums or zoos. With proper guidance, we can transform Pokémon Go into a ‘frame’ to drag children to amusing educational activity.
[1] A. Westlake, ‘Malware-plagued Pokemon GO app making the rounds on Android,’ 10 July 2016, , accessed on 26 July 2016.
Possible Harm
Eventhough the official release has not been available in most countries, Pokémon Go is already taking over the world: possibly contending Michael Jackson’s popularity! Impatiently waiting, Pokémon fans across the globe start digging through unofficial sources to download the game in the form of APK (Andorid application package) regardless the risks. The APK may contain various malwares as well. Slashgear reported that the modified app downloaded in non-official countries looks almost identical to the official release, however it installs a backdoor known as DroidJack, allowing hackers to gain remote access to Android devices, including sending message, accessing web history, modify contacts, make calls, and recording audio.[1] This warn us to be cautious in downloading the app. The best option is, still, to wait for its official release. Yet, if the desire to play is unbearable, players are highly sugested to download from trusted sources to avoid the unexpected consequences. In case the game is already downloaded, players can go to the app information via Settings menu to check whether the app containing unreasonable access to the devices.
Careless Society and Government’s Enemy
The locations of Pokéstop and Pokémon which are spread across the neighborhood, make people become real life ‘zombies’. Their eyes are glued to the screens, wandering carelessly to catch the cute monsters or grabbing items nearby. This careless behaviors often cause accidents on the street. Improper hunts in cemeteries are also reported, inviting condemnation for disrespecting the deceased. Even worse, the hype are suspected to cause decreasing working productivity. Players are also reported in some countries to hunt Pokémon in various vital/restricted facilities such as hospital, military base, and police office. The game is also suspected for its harmful potential feature: extracting personal data or governments’ classified information. This encourages some governments to ban or partially ban the game. For instance, Egypt government tried to ban the game even if the attempt failed, while Indonesia bans governmnet officials and army officers to play the game. Even if the phenomenon seems trivial, it reflects something serious: not all societies and governments are ready to welcome the impact of digital development in real life.
Even if many Pokémon trainers are playing the game unwisely (careless), any governments’ response by blocking or banning the specific game is an exaggeration, when strategic options such as using the game to attract tourists (via ‘lure’ activation) are available. Pokémon Go should not be blamed for addictions and other careless behaviors. It already exists long before the game invented and the attempts to separate players from Pokémon Go indicates that many governments fail to cope the issue since it never reduce people’s addiction to (any) game. To play a game is a nature of every individual: a recreational process to temporarily escape from (stressful) daily life. Even if it must be admitted that Pokémon Go is supposed to be restricted in several locations and time, instead of forcing someone to not playing the game at all, authorities must find ways to compromise Pokémon Go. Combining fun and educational activities is possible, like attracting children to hunt Pokémon in museums or zoos. With proper guidance, we can transform Pokémon Go into a ‘frame’ to drag children to amusing educational activity.
[1] A. Westlake, ‘Malware-plagued Pokemon GO app making the rounds on Android,’ 10 July 2016, , accessed on 26 July 2016.
