Foursquare Vs Twitter

Twitter—the world’s most popular microblogging site—will soon get a run for its money, with computer technology experts predicting that 2010 might be the year of Foursquare. Just as Facebook took users away from its predecessor, MySpace, Foursquare will likely appeal to Twitter user and it is already catching on in major American and European urban centres. Foursquare’s goal is not only to encourage users to discover new friends, but also to have those that sign up share a wealth of information and reviews on the social, recreational and nightlife of given cities. Users are asked to map their current location in their home town at any given time using their smartphone, and in exchange they earn points (“badges”) and online rewards. The biggest reward is becoming the “mayor” of a specific location or destination.

The only way to be come the mayor of a popular location or venue is to frequent it more often than anyone else on Foursquare. While this prize may keep users coming back to Foursquare and broadcasting their location, they also end up providing valuable information to other users on hidden cafes, restaurants, clubs, attractions and businesses that may be largely undiscovered and missing from tourist guidebooks.

Kathleen Versteegt, of Edmonton Canada, told Canwest News that she became a regular Foursquare user almost instantly. Verstgeet uses the site to find out which restaurants, cafes or pubs other Foursquare users happen to be at, in order to decide whether or not she wishes to go there as well and join a group of online acquaintances. Foursquare is continuing to expand its network in major North American and European cities.