foursquare (http://www.foursquare.com)
common sense media says
Location-based social network too risky for younger teens.
parents & educators say
- 50% say sexual content is an issue
- 50% say safety or privacy is an issue
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Foursquare is a location-based social network that encourages members to meet in person. Granted, the service warns users to friend carefully and does provide pretty good privacy, including the option to post anonymously. But a big part of this new breed of social networking is sharing where you are and inviting other members to drop by. With photos of attractive young members featured on the Web site and tie-ins to Facebook and Twitter, it will be all too tempting for some kids to attempt making new real-life friends with Foursquare. And with no age limits or predator filters, that could be a dangerous thing to do.
Educational value:
Users can potentially learn about their area by scrolling through lists of nearby venues and reading the details and “tips” written by other users.
Violence:
Not applicable.
Sex:
Not applicable.
Language:
Users comments are unmoderated and language like "bitch" and "ass" appear regularly.
Consumerism:
Members are encouraged to frequent food and service establishments as a part of the social networking experience, and some businesses hand out special offers to key visitors. Foursquare also offers daily deals through partnerships with companies such as Living Social. Several companies' logos appear on the website.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Entries exist for bars and other venues that serve or sell alcohol and some comments include descriptions of drinking, smoking, etc.
Privacy & safety:
This site can create some big privacy issues, though there are lots of options for controlling privacy. Registration requires a first name, email address, city, and state. However, users can block access to most profile info. "Checking in" by phone app or computer automatically sends a message to friends of the user's whereabouts. However, users can disable this notification. In fact, the service doesn't use GPS to determine users' locations (though it uses GPS to show locations near you -- like a map); it depends on the honor system. The site shares your check-in info with some businesses unless you opt-out. The public display shows your profile picture and first name with last initial.
None.
More on foursquare
Review It
Based on 4 parent & educator reviews:
- 50% say sexual content is an issue
- 50% say safety or privacy is an issue
- 50% say language is an issue
- 50% say there's too much drinking, drugs, or smoking
Most useful reviews by all members
Cooldee
parent
parent
For children ages 18 and up.
This website seems inappropriate for children until they are 18 years old. Why? There is alot of foul langauge, sex issues, and privacy issues.
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bananalover
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
foursquare is totally awseome!!!!!!!
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ice_capp3
kid, 9 years old
kid, 9 years old
SHOULD BE NO KIDS!!
People put inappropriate and sometimes dodgey stuff.
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Masonline
adult
adult
Any social networking site can be dangerous. The best way to deal with this is to create an account of your own, and make your child add you to the friend list with full access. This way you'll be able to see what they're saying, and decide whether or not it could be dangerous, or inappropriate.
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twitterguru
kid, 12 years old
kid, 12 years old
A great way to explore the city with your friends and family!
Let me tell you this: foursquare is an amazing website - when put to use correctly.
foursquare is a new generation of social networks that allow you to 'check in' (broadcast your location online) to your favourite places, be it the public park, or a local Starbucks. It also lets you leave online 'tips' for the places. These are essentially mini-reviews or, as the name suggests, tips (e.g. "Ask for the secret sauce!" at a burger restaurant).
Whilst it does have some significant security vulnerabilities - mainly the fact that it openly broadcasts your location publicly - foursquare, if used correctly, can become a great way to explore your town or city with your family or friends.
The bottom line, however, is that, unless your child is about 15/16 years old, do not let your child create your own account. My account is my parents as well, and they control it. It could give away your location to pedophiles, etc. although while the government promotes it, most of the internet is not full of rapists that will abduct your children. It's a very stereotypical view.
The pure reason I have rated it on for 11+ is because it is a brilliant way to find potential new restaurants/places of leisure for you and your family!
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Sio
educator and parent of 6 and 10 year old
educator and parent of 6 and 10 year old
I like it for me but not for kids unless over 17!
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LayneE
adult
adult
Can safely be used, but can be very dangerous.
Make it easier for pedophiles to know where you hang out!
And they get 5 points for adding their house. 5 points is 5 points, ya know.
Then, some people like to use the shout-outs to say things that aren't always appropriate.
Yes, you can limit your information to friends, but then you take some of the intrigue out of the game. So why bother in the first place?
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