By: Arthur Cooper
Submitted: 2011-02-24 03:03:50 | Word Count: 664
You have heard of Foursquare, right? It’s the newer social network that allows users to “check in” to different locations around their city with their check in information being provided to friends and other interested users. Well, the network is now available in five new languages. Established by Dennis Crowley in 2009, this social network is rapidly taking ground with over 6 million users and it doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.
A little about foursquare, for those who may be interested yet unfamiliar. Foursquare is an application that is downloaded to your cell phone. This application instantly links to your address book, Facebook and Twitter to locate friends that have too joined Foursquare. Once you find your friends you then have access to where your friends are hanging out and they have access to your whereabouts as well. Sharing some locations can be beneficial to users as it can lead to free swag. I once was with a friend at a local Mexican restaurant. She checked in to Foursquare and up popped a coupon; we were then greeted with free chips and salsa. Score! Foursquare users earn badges and status (such as mayor) by checking into certain places a certain amount of times. Not really sure what the benefits of these badges are but my first guess would have to be bragging rights. Maybe becoming a mayor and accumulating badges leads to more free swag than chips and salsa. I probably should look into that.
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Initially, I was a Foursquare skeptic. I saw no benefit in letting anyone know my whereabouts at all times. For some reason it seemed a bit dangerous, or just plain intrusive. This was before I read a little bit of what Foursquare CEO, Dennis Crowley had to say about it. According to Crowley, Foursquare is “almost like a game in the real world…but users are changing their real-world behavior to get the badge…we’re rewarding people for doing things in the physical world.” You know, he’s absolutely right. Foursquare is offering an incentive for users to get up, get out and do something. Not only is it contributing to the economy, but it’s promoting activity and exploration; both of which I could use a heavy dose of at any given time.
For businesses, the check-ins acquired at your establishment could mean more business which is why offering freebies may be a bright idea. People get something for free, they leave great reviews on Foursquare, in comes more people.
Now that Foursquare is available in five new languages it allows for further exploration for all users. The network has now extended its range to an even broader audience. I can just imagine that the 2 million check-ins per day will only triple. Picture what it would be like to a first time visitor to Japan but you’re already privy to the coolest and most popular places to eat simply through a user’s Foursquare recommendation. The possibilities of the connectivity offered through this medium are endless.
Foursquare is already doing an exceptional job at encouraging users to try new things, to leave comfort zones and look beyond horizons. Check-ins yesterday, new languages today, who knows what’s in store for tomorrow? I haven’t the slightest idea, but they sure have me on the edge of the seat to find out.
