Foursquare

Ok, so I know I'm about two years behind on this, but I just started using my Foursquare account. I knew about the social media site when it first launched, I just didn't understand the benefits of it and why people would be interested in knowing if I'm at McDonalds, Target, or a party for that matter. However, for whatever reason I'm starting to see the benefits of this outlet and am using it often. Maybe another reason I started using it is because I got a new phone that allows me to have Internet... hmm... regardless - I'm starting to have fun with it!

What is Foursquare? For those of you this is new to still, Foursqure is a location-based social networking website based on hardware for mobile device. The service is available to users with GPS-enabled mobile device such as smartphones. Users "check-in" at venues using a mobile website, test messaging or a device-specific application by running the app and selecting from a list of venues the app locates nearby. Each check-in awards the user points and sometimes, "badges."

So, why should you care. This is the struggle I had before. This is what I've learned about using Foursquare beyond just sharing your errands or lunch dates:

Update the fun locations or events you're at that you want to see if others are there too. Foursquare lets you check-in to certain events, or if it's not created yet, lets you create an event once you're there, not just buildings and allows you to see if others are there too. An example I have, is that this past Friday I went to the Edina Art Fair. Someone created an event and I was able to check-in and see others there too. Use this tool for events you host that you want to start a conversation around.

Once checked-in to a certain spot, read the tips. People who have checked-in somewhere post tips that you may not know about. You may learn something new about your favorite spot.

Just recently, Foursquare allowed places to add deals. If you open the program in a certain location you can check out deals in your area and receive coupons. This is a really cool thing that only Foursquare users benefit from!

Foursquare is a very cool tool. But, my advice is just to not get too crazy about it and share your locations with the whole world, especially those you don't know well. This can become an unsafe program that can could allow creepy people to stalk you. Update with precaution.