Catch Them All: Exploring the Psychological Impact of Playing Pokémon Go

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Ruoxu Wang

University of Memphis (Correspondence: rwang4@memphis.edu)

Mu Wu

California State University, Los Angeles

Citation: Wang, R., & Wu, M. (2020). Catch them all: Exploring the psychological impact of playing Pokémon Go. Journal of Communication Technology, 3(1), 53-72. https://doi.org/10.51548/joctec-2020-004

Abstract: Using the self-determination theory, this study examined the relationship between seven Pokémon GO features and three psychological outcomes – sense of community, sense of companionship, and psychological well-being. Results showed frequency of collecting Pokémon, customizing Pokémon, performing gym related activities, purchasing special items, and taking pictures with the Pokémon led to increased sense of community, sense of companionship, and psychological well-being. In addition, sense of community and sense of companionship mediated the relationship between frequency of using these five Pokémon GO features and psychological well- being respectively.

Keywords: Pokémon Go, mobile AR game, sense of community, sense of companionship, psychological well-being