Foursquare is possibly the best game ever. I love that Loyola is promoting this form of social media. Why do I like it and why should you use it?
First, foursquare will teach you about yourself. Where you spend your time and with whom you spend it with; it defines your character. For example, a few past and present mayorships of mine include the library, communications building, business school, the Delta Gamma house at George Washington University, my country club, The Columns and a few college bars.
Translation of what this says about me: I study a lot, I’m a mass communication major with a marketing minor, I am a sorority girl who lived in the house in DC, I grew up in suburbia and I enjoy socializing among young professionals but I am still living (and enjoying) the college life. I’d say that is fairly accurate reflection of who I am right now.
Foursquare consolidates the process of figuring out “what are my plans for tonight?” Foursquare allows only the people I accept as friends to see where I am. It makes it easier when I am making plans to see that five of my friends are at one venue. I can assume that my friends who are not on Foursquare but who hang out with my Foursquare friends are probably there too. This equals less calls and texts for me, which is lovely.
Thirdly, I want to virtually control New Orleans. I’ve been fighting amongst my friends for mayorships. I’m pretty competitive so I like the ongoing game. Uptown has hot real estate: The Boot, Monroe library, and the entire establishment of Loyola University? Come on, holding the title of “Mayor of Loyola University” says “I’m better than you.”
Lastly, I have a log of my life. Do you ever forget a name of restaurants or building and drive yourself crazy trying to remember? I can look back a few months ago and recall that great restaurant I went to or check the address of an office building I had a meeting in for work.
I think Foursquare has yet to expand in the capacity I think it can. I think Foursquare, Twitter and Facebook need a better system of linking and tagging.
How neat would it be if Foursquare showed your Facebook and Twitter friends who were checked into that venue when you click on the venue profile? Or, let’s say you tweet about the Monroe Library extending study hours. What if you could tag the Monroe Library via Foursquare and anyone checking into the Monroe Library could view the tweets about it? Or, let’s say you are posting pictures or a video clip from a Saints game on Facebook, you could tag the Superdome and link the media with the Superdome on Foursquare so you could easily share it with your friends.
I see great business opportunities for these social networks. I believe instead of competing with each other, there should be a business merge. Each site has its own point of differentiation and serves specific purposes while having competitive advantages over another. I think if they link and work together more, they could better connect us all in the capacity they cannot do individually.
Abbey Brandon is a mass communication senior.
She can be reached at
In My Opinion is a weekly column open to any Loyola student. Those interesed can contact
