As a child, I was never allowed to play video games. I never had a Wii or an Xbox. I didn’t have a computer, smartphone, or an iPad growing up. So maybe that was why when I was bored, I was forced to dive into the world of books. I was that weird kid that got up bright and early at 6 a.m., Saturday morning to do what most kids dreaded; reading.

This all changed after I got an iPad around 5th grade. I discovered Netflix and YouTube, and for a while the world of books seemed like a distant memory. Of course, staring at a screen mindlessly and gaining virtually nothing was much easier. I watched and rewatched series. That was why, when I picked up a book near the end of 7th grade, it felt alien. I applaud those who, every once and awhile, go to sit down with a good book instead of watching the new season of Game of Thrones or whatever other show is popular.

This brings me to my main point. When I found out that Pokemon was releasing a new game that intertwined with the real world, I was unsure how many would react. Its obsessive nature found a home in much of the population, and getting a new Pikachu seemed to be on the top of everyone’s mind. The thought of walking around and “catching” a Pokemon until you’ve “caught them all” seemed to capture all ages.

I would be lying if I said I don’t occasionally watch Netflix if I have free time, but at the end of the month, when you realize you’ve played it for 20 hours, where have those 20 hours gone? Spent on having your screen tell you you’ve finally caught Charizard? Wasted on something that no longer holds any value.

But I challenge everyone, when a new game comes out, one with potential for obsession – don’t download it; it’s simply not worth it. The time that you could’ve used to start learning Italian or learning how to knit is thrown away on something that will leave you walking away with nothing.

Once again, I would be lying if I said I am not reliant on my phone, But I am trying, as should everyone else, to at least limit my use of it and pick up a book, or even go outside. Go outside not to catch a Pokemon but to enjoy the sunset or the ocean. Finish your homework early and get a full night’s sleep. Do something productive, something social, whatever it is that you want to do. Just remember, say no to Pokemon-Go.