Foursquare

I have recently been introduced by a friend of mine (Steve Reese of soldonshawnee.com) to a smart phone app called Foursquare.  The app is a social media platform similar to Twitter.  You invite people to be your friends, you have a profile, can send messages, etc.  But what makes this app stand out is a technology called "geo-tagging". 

We typically use the term "tag" when trying to label our articles or posts for the purpose of search engine indexing and quick navigation.  Geo-tagging is similar. But it isn't describing your latest post -- it's categorizing your exact latest position by using your phone's GPS technology. 

"So now you can really stalk people, rather than just Facebook stalk people."

-Lani Habrock, co-owner of Three-Nine (said jokingly)

Assuming you're not using this technology for these purposes, this technology really is amazing. Facebook has recently introduced a similar version of the concept with its 'Places' feature on the mobile app. 

What I like about Foursquare is that it merges the virtual with the real (virturreal?).  When I am out and I check in at a location, I can see who else has checked in there.  It is an opportunity to network and make new contacts beyond what's possible with trackpad taps and keystrokes. 

Additionally, it's just fun.  By checking into more and more places, you earn "badges" and can unlock certain awards.  It's like any number of video games I played growing up, but the actor is me.  There is no controlling of a virtual action figure.  I am the action figure. 

I have really been enjoying Foursquare and am interested to see more apps creatively using geo-tagging to encourage networking and community.  Try it for yourself!

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