On Foursquare, every time a user checks-in at a venue, that individual earns a point. Over the course of a week, the points add up and a “Leaderboard” is created. Not surprisingly, the person with the most points (most check-ins) acquires the number one spot on the “Leaderboard.” Fortunately, the “Leaderboard” resets every Sunday night.
The implementation of the “Leaderboard” on Foursquare demonstrates the growing trend towards “game-like” location-based services and social networks. By creating a competitive environment with mayorships, badges, and now, a “Leaderboard,” Foursquare is hoping to increase user participation.
Unfortunately, I have fallen victim to this competitive atmosphere – I am completely addicted to Foursquare. Everyday, I check-in to as many venues as possible, sometimes before I even arrive at that specific location. When I forget to check-in to a venue, or I am unable to check-in to a venue (bad cell phone service, maintenance on the foursquare website, etc) I panic – I get extremely angry and contemplate checking-in at the venue even though I am no longer there. The competitive aspect of Foursquare drives me to participate with the mobile application and influences my daily “real-life” routine.
For example, I am currently the mayor of Hillel, a Jewish center on campus where I go to the gym. Evidently, I do not enjoy going to the gym every day. However, if I do not venture to Hillel every day, I will lose my “Mayorship.” Thus, the competitive atmosphere on Foursquare actually encourages healthy behavior.
Questions for tomorrow:
1) Do you think that Foursquare’s “game-like” environment will increase the use of Foursquare? Or, do you think that the “game-like” environment makes Foursquare different from other location-based services?
2) Do you think that Foursquare can trigger real-life behavioral changes?
3) Do you consider Foursquare a social network?
4) Do you think Foursquare is a good platform for collective intelligence?
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