Foursquare--the internet version

So apparently a new Internet thing is up. It's called foursquare, and it has NO resemblance at all to the beloved childhood blacktop game (unfortunately). Basically, the main idea is to broadcast where you are to the internet (or Facebook and twitter, at least) on your phone (with either texts or Internet, if your phone has it). You can find out more on their website (just Google it! Or, fine, the link is here).

I just wanted to talk about it a little (seeing as I am a citizen of the Internet, what with this blog and everything), especially after I read an article about it in my dad's Time magazine (I don't usually read it much, except for when there's something in it about new internet/techy stuffs [yeah geek wannabes FTW]). I guess I've been expecting something like this to happen, eventually? Like the idea of combining "real life", so to speak, with the Internet. So, voila! Foursquare is invented! The more you go to certain places (in real life, please, not just sitting on your couch and pretending to be at the local grocery store, or something), the more "badges" and potentially cool/free stuff you'll get! (Assuming the places you go to know about foursquare, of course.)

Now, to be even more review-like, a list of pros and cons! (as I see them):

PROS:

• It encourages people to actually get out more, and physically go to places they won't usually go to (such as the gym, quirky little cafes, etc.). Motivation: special foursquare "badges" and (if the places you go to know about foursquare) free/discounted stuff/special offers to foursquare users.
• Another social networking site! Wait, or should that be a con?
• You can get insider information on places near you/your city via other foursquare patrons. Akin to the idea of asking your friend about that new store/deli/yoga place before actually going there. And you can offer your own tips too!

CONS:

• It lets other people know THINGS about you (people that you might not want to disclose every detail of your life with). Especially if you do lots of checking in from your house. And are paranoid.
• Another social networking site! Still not sure about this one.
• Not for spies. Unless they're trying to throw someone OFF of a trail (that would be interesting). But I suppose real spies and secret agents wouldn't have an online profile anyway!

It's also one of those techy things that boldly proclaim: THE FUTURE IS HERE AND YOU BETTER BE PREPARED, BUCKO. Mainly with the fact that it's a mix of "real life" and "virtual life" on the internet. And yes, they do have cool features that allow you to satisfy your need for privacy while also enjoying foursquare, but something about the reward system makes my brain go on HIGH ALERT.

What makes me stop and think about this new phenom is the very fact that it is trying to make real life a game, but one without punishments. I suppose the "no bad side" is because it's more of a social networking site, but it's much too close to the idea of being a game in real life to be comfortable. And this might just be my over-voracious science fiction reading habit talking, but something ominous always lurks behind the sunny, paradise-like forefront of new technology.

But hey--people have been wrong about doomsdays before.