The unusual new playground feature dividing parents: 'Anyone know what this is?'
By Naomi White|
A? new playground feature has divided parents, with some saying it's simply another way for technology to overtake our lives.
The sign came to light after a Reddit user from Melbourne uploaded a photo of the box-shaped device, asking: "Anyone know what this is? It's drilled to a swing set at the playground in Diamond Creek."
Followers were quick to fill them in, explaining it was part of an augmented reality (AR) game. Users download an app onto their phone, point it at the symbol in the box, turning it into a 'digital playground'.
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Users can then follow characters that 'appear' throughout the park. ?
Games like these have been gaining popularity in parks and playgrounds in recent years, following the huge success of Pokจฆmon GO.
While each game takes a slightly different approach in terms of content, all follow a similar user experience, starting with scanning a QR code and incorporating the environment into the game.
"These games are aimed at children between six to 11 years old and look to bring them back into local parks," reads the description of one such AR game, Magical Park.
While the games are billed as a way to teach kids about nature and "encourage physical activity" outdoors, not all parents are convinced.
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"Imagine going to the park as a kid to play a game on your phone," argued one person.
"?Cool, so we take our kids to the park so they can look at a screen the whole time," added another.
"Yes kids have phones and no it isn't bad, but at the park, it defeats the point. Hard disagree," said a third. ?
But the game did have some fans, who felt it was an innovative way to get kids up and moving. "Imagine being upset that some children have access to such great technology that allows them to experience things we couldn't when we were kids," said one.?
"The game that they're playing uses augmented reality as I understand it. They're still able to run around and play but incorporate technology," agreed another.
Others were bemused and couldn't help making fun of the confused parent's inquiry:
"Run! It means there are aliens nearby!?," said one. "Not sure what it is, but I will blame Dan Andrews for it," joked another.
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