It’s kind of crazy how certain trends take off like wildfire and consume the world’s time and attention, to the point where it becomes big news and suddenly everyone’s talking about it.

Barely even two weeks old, the Pokémon GO game app phenomenon has probably set records for the speed at which it spread in usage and popularity among those who have gotten “the bug.”

For those who may be completely displaced from awareness of popular culture crazes – or simply do not care – Pokémon GO is a free-to-play location-based augmented reality mobile game. Making use of GPS and the camera of compatible devices, the game allows players to capture, battle, and train virtual creatures, called Pokémon, who appear on device screens as though in the real world.

The game has led some users into dubious, even risky situations during their excursions out from their parents’ basements and into the real world.

To be fair, the concept is rather clever and not all gaming enthusiasts are socially challenged basement dwellers.

We hope that everyone involved – including casual observers – practices safe and courteous operations while the game is being played. After all, as popular as it may be, it is still just a game.