Going back to your childhood with Pokémon Go

Cartoons and online games have long deprived children of exercise and outdoor games. However, when I learnt that children finally wanted to get out because of Pokémon Go, I became intrigued. When I came across kids in parks, on roadsides, in the company of friends playing Pokémon Go, I was reminded of the many controversies and criticisms raised by this game, that it leads to injuries and skirmishes. But isn’t that fear present in any outdoor game, be it cricket or football? It also brought to mind the importance of being a child and enjoying the rough and unpredictable outdoors.

Seeing the kids seeking Pokémons at Pokestops, I was reminded of how as kids we chased butterflies, trapped fire flies, jumped in puddles and played hide and seek. We scraped our knees and dirtied our clothes, and it was all a part of growing up. Perhaps the maker of Pokémon Go had in mind those very childhood pleasures that are muffled out because of tuitions and career plans. Interestingly, grownups are showing a great interest in the game.

Maybe the reason for this is that in every adult, the happy-go-lucky child remains. But we take adult life so seriously that we forget to cherish life’s little pleasures. Pokémon Go reminds me of that child that looks at the world with wonder. It’s only old people who allow the child to awaken within them, and perhaps that’s why there’s usually great camaraderie between the young and old.

Whenever problems in life grow too complicated I try to switch to the perspective of a child. It makes me realise that any problem lessens with a little laughter. (Inner Voice comprises contributions from our readers The views expressed are personal) innervoice@hindustantimes.com n