Let me tell you something interesting that’s happened to me recently. Is social media good? Is it evil? Is it really social when you’re at home using a computer?
Welcome to 2010. We’re going Mobile. Social is getting more social that ever. I’ll tell you about the good.
It’s rad to know that there have been a huge number of people already dominating and taking their cities by storm using smart phone (iPhone) applications like Foursquare and Gowalla. I wish I had made use of these applications earlier on; however, it’s actually still very early in my city of London, Ontario. Perhaps you’ve heard of these 2 websites but don’t know the point of them. Let me explain to my best ability:
Foursquare and Exploring
This is an application that connects you, your friends, and your city using game theory. As I am writing this blog post out, I am being flooded with ideas and benefits that come with Foursquare. Before I bet into too much, let me explain how it helps connect you to your friends and city.
When I am using my iPhone I can open the application and using the GPS locator, the phone finds locations near me – only locations that have been discovered or unlocked. This was my own downfall in the beginning. I thought my city had to be listed in their database before I could start “playing.”
Totally not the case.
Foursquare can be used anywhere in the world. The power of such an application is determined by us. You and me are the people inputting the data into the system. Think of this as a dynamic and enhanced directory created and maintained by everybody. It is open source, much like Wikipedia. I can’t fully explain it, and their website does a pretty sweet job. Check it out.
Once you’ve added friends, or the’ve added you, something great starts happening. When you check-in at a location, you’ll earn points that count for the week. These points reset every Sunday. Also, the more you visit a location could result in you being crowned the “mayor” of it. It gives you a sense of fun for getting out and about. If anyone else is at the location, it will tell you who’s there. If the location has a Mayor, you’ll be able to go to their profile from that location.
The Foursquare application is pretty interactive, and could create some friendly rivalry. I am pretty sure it will help to enhance our experience as we’re out being social in the city.
Gowalla and Items
Gowalla is along the same line as Foursquare. It’s an augmented reality type application where you ‘check-in.’ If the location is not in their system yet, you must enter it and then check-in. Locations have special items that are only visible while checked in. You’re also able to see who else is at the location. I picture going to a bar, restaurant, or sports event and wondering if friends have arrived yet. Simply by checking-in or looking at the location I can see who’s already checked in. You can also receive push notifications so that you’re informed right away on the activity of your friends.
I can hear people moaning and groaning about privacy. I know where you’re coming from. If you don’t check-in, no one knows the wiser. Perhaps you’ll use it only on those special occasions when it would help for getting people together.
The Gowalla items are still a mystery to me. I believe that Gowalla has run promotions and contests in the past where they “hid” prizes – ie an ipod nano – at a location and when someone checked-in, they would be able to pick up the ipod nano. Kind cool if you think about it. Perhaps stores and locations can run promotions in the future with their own items to be picked up – coupons, freebies, whatever.
This is why mobile is going to be so amazing. If you don’t have a smart phone, you’re missing out on some pretty exciting times.
Now, what does this all have to do with Anxiety? You probably get that Foursquare and Gowalla are very much apart of social media, but anxiety?
Putting an End to Anxiety using Foursquare and Gowalla
I battle with bipolar depression and high levels of anxiety. I’ve talked about those issues being the reasons for being so driven in blogging and creative endeavors. At the beginning of this article, I mentioned that something interesting happened to me recently. This realization prompted me to write this post in the first place.
I realized my anxiety was starting to slowly shift. I would normally avoid getting out to malls, stores, whatever because I would just be too overwhelmed and just need to get home. It was like a magnetic force pulling me back. However, using Foursquare, I felt like I was being useful. I was intrinsically motivated to help input places I visited into Foursquare and Gowalla. Checking-in gave me points, and I became the major of Future Shop. On one day, I went to 6 different locations. This wasn’t because I was bored and wanted to get points that reset on Sunday. This was because I still felt calm, and centered. I didn’t see going to these places as a chore or a hassle. I also wanted to see if the location was already in either application. I was honestly exploring my city in a positive way. I wanted to ask employees or others if they have even considered using the application.
Forget trying to win an item on Gowalla – Totally cool ass things to come through I am sure.
As this grows, I am sure we’ll see more and more deals for the mayor. Will retail locations have to restrict employees from checking-in and becoming Mayor? Interesting questions for mobile applications and usage.
But I love that these crazy applications have helped with my anxiety a lot.
I’m interested in finding out some similar stories. Have you used these applications or any other apps that have improved personal issues? What do you think of Gowalla and/ Foursquare? Will one outlast the other?
Share your thoughts and if you use either, add me as a friend.
