Describing Facebook and Twitter as “popular social networking sites” is like talking about the Internet with outdated phrases like “information superhighway” or “World Wide Web.”[rssbreak]
That’s because social networking is as commonplace as the Internet, and there is no need to describe it. Twitter is simply Twitter, Facebook is just Facebook.
And like the World Wide Web, these were more fun when they were not so well known and actually needed explanation. I doubt I’m alone in feelng nostalgic for those days.
Well we can all trot out the “social networking” speak again to explain Foursquare, a mobile service with cooler functions than Twitter and fewer moms than Facebook.
Last week, Foursquare released its long overdue Toronto application, available for BlackBerrys, Androids and iPhones.
On the surface, Foursquare is yet another networking service, allowing interactions between users on the fly.
What gives it a competitive edge is that it works like a city guide. Users input their favourite bars, coffee shops, public spaces or wherever, and their updates are pegged to that very location.
For instance, say you’re chillaxing at the Chinese architecture gallery at the ROM and you “check in” with your Foursquare application. Your friends can then see where you are and come find you. Next thing you know, it’s party time at the Ming Tomb.
This will work wonders during chaotic nights at Nuit Blanche, TIFF or NXNE.
It also works like a game, as Foursquarers in other cities have gotten territorial about their favourite spots and look to claim restaurants and bars based on how often they visit. The user who visits a location the most is given the status of “mayor.” (I personally find that a tad psychotic, but come find me in six months when I’m using Foursquare to check in from Squirrely’s on a nightly basis.)
Those who are already uncomfortable with the “here’s what I’m doing this very instant” aspect of Facebook and Twitter will find this even more uncomfortable. But it really is a logical extension of the status update: here’s what I’m doing and here’s where I’m doing it.
The true benefit of Foursquare, in this columnists’ mind, is that it’s off the beaten path though it’s growing fast, it has managed to remain an underground phenomenon. Ashton Kutcher and other annoying celebrities are not using the service, the Globe and Mail is not reporting on it every weekend (as it does with Twitter), and your parents aren’t likely to ask you about it for at least a year.
But this is all for a limited time only, because Foursquare is about to blow up. In just seven months, it attracted more than 60,000 users and more than enough buzz. And venture capitalists – the same ones who backed Facebook and Twitter – are backing it.
In other words, it’s time get on board. Foursquare is the next “popular social networking” tool, and there’s fun to be had before it becomes Twitter.
joshuae@nowtoronto.com
