CTV News featured an interview with UBC psychology professor Amori Mikami for a story on the psychological impacts of playing the popular smartphone game Pokémon Go.
Mikami studies social interactions and their effects on mental health and said the social nature of Pokémon Go could be beneficial for some players, especially those with depression and social anxiety.
“For individuals with depression, they want to get out in the world and engage and do things, but the depression is really a barrier to everything. It just feels too difficult, too tiring,” Mikami said. “I think Pokémon Go provides a way to get over some of those barriers. It’s a structured and fun activity that really draws you into walking around outside, seeing new places.”
A similar story appeared on Global News, in the Vancouver Sun, Saskatoon Star Phoenix, Times Colonist and on News 1130 and 24 Hours Vancouver.
CBC News and Yahoo Canada also mentioned the study for a story on a cancelled Pokémon Go meet up.
