Photo by: choko

Cell phones, particularly smart phones, offer location-based services. If you’re lost you can get directions, if you want to know the weather or local news you can check your phone. You can also share with the world where you are by using social networking services like Foursquare.

28 percent of adults use location-based services on their cell phones according to a Pew Research Center study. The study also found that out of the 28 percent only 5 percent are using social networks to share their locations.1

While the study surveyed only US residents, Foursquare has over 10 million users around the globe.2

How do you use location based services on your phone?

You can find me on Foursquare by clicking here.

  1. http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2011/Location.aspx [↩]
  2. https://foursquare.com/about [↩]
  • Patrick Phillips

    I use mapping software so I can tell where I’m going, and I have a weather app from the television station I work for that lets me track weather wherever I am.

    I do NOT use foursquare or any other service that publishes my location.  I think it’s ridiculous for people to constantly be alerting everyone else that they’re not at home.

    • http://www.joegullo.net Anonymous

      I don’t have any experience with mapping apps on my phone, how are they? Is it problematic if you don’t have service?

      I used to be one of those people who thought it was ridiculous to announce to all of my friends where I was. I still don’t “check-in” to every place I am at on Foursquare. I draw the line there. I really only check-in to places that offer discounts for checking in.

      • Patrick Phillips

        The built-in map app on the iPhone is okay. But it doesn’t give you turn-by-turn directions. There are apps for that, but you usually have to buy them.  The Droid’s built-in navigation is much better, I think.

        But if I’m going to used location-based services, that’s the main thing I would use.

        Can you use Foursquare and get the discounts without publishing where you are?

        • http://www.joegullo.net Anonymous

          Yea, I’m still using my GPS haha.

          I think you have to publish it to Foursquare, but you don’t have to announce it to other social media accounts if you don’t want to. I do not. I know my Twitter followers and Facebook friends don’t care that I just checked into xyz.

          Some of the deals are really good. I know Chili’s was offering a free appetizer if 3 friends checked in. I’m not sure if they’re still doing that promotion.