Addicted to Pokémon GO? Here is what can happen when your eyes are glued to your phone

Addicted to Pokémon GO? Here is what can happen when your eyes are glued to your phone -

If you recently asked yourself, "What the heck is Pokémon GO!" you are not alone.

Of course, you could ask your children ... but they are probably exploring the neighborhood on the game (and eat your data plan in the process). Here's what you need to know to keep them and you, if you decide to play -. Safe

What is

Pokémon GO-part of the famous Pokémon video game franchise is an "augmented reality" free game for smartphones . Released earlier this month, it quickly became a viral phenomenon to a level Pokémon has not seen the television and card game show debuted in the 190s the term "Pokémon" means "pocket monsters", referring to hundreds of small creatures that populate the fictional Pokémon universe

Think Pokémon go as a digital scavenger hunt :. You physically move into the real world to catch and train small creatures, which digitally appear in the application. The application tracks your location using GPS, and you can check in anywhere to find Pokémon and gymnasiums for the train Popular landmarks to remote marsh.

Sounds like fun. What is the problem?

It does not take a Pokémaster to realize that a lot of errant real street people with their eyes glued to their phones could be a problem. While the Pokémon can be fictional, the security problems presented by the game are too real.

Throughout the reports roll in distracted players get bruises, scrapes and broken bones. In Washington, the State Department of Transportation has issued a warning about playing Pokémon GO while driving.

frightening still, criminals in Missouri used the app GPS data to attract players to remote locations and then fly.

How can I play safe?

It may seem like common sense, but if you have fever Pokémon GO, here are some reminders :.

• Be aware of your surroundings when playing the game
• Do not play when you're behind the wheel. (In fact, just put your phone away while driving!)
• Be careful when broadcasting your location to applications or social media -. Criminals could use this to target online or in person

Remember: even find the elusive Charizard is not worth putting your real security risk

Speaking treasure hunts, here is something that is not hard to find :. ERIE a local agent. In fact, you can look at a place near you, without even leaving home. Click here to find a ERIE agent in your community.

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