Academic Studies Find Plenty to Like About Pokémon Go

Nearly a year after Pokémon Go and its legion of devout fans hit the streets, researchers are starting to see societal benefits in augmented reality.

1 minute read

April 24, 2017, 8:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Pokémon Go

Niantic / Pokémon Go

Praphanit Doowa reports on the findings of a new study by researchers from the University of Washington.

The study, titled "'It wasn’t really about the Pokémon': Parents’ Perspectives on a Location-Based Mobile Game" [pdf] found that "parents who regularly play Pokémon Go with their children spend more time outdoors, exercise more and have more family bonding time," according to Doowa.

The multi-generational appeal of Pokémon Go is one of the clear takeaways of the study.

Researchers from the University of Wisconsin – Madison also recently released a study into the effects of the Pokémon Go craze of 2016. That study, published in the journal Media Psychology, "shows that Pokémon Go users were more likely to be positive, friendly and physically active," according to an article on Science Daily. That study focused on the social benefits of the mobile game.

Wednesday, April 19, 2017 in Crosscut

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog