Location based applications create a new wrinkle in the ever expanding circle of friends that is your social graph. Where Facebook once was at the center, we at the Farm feel it will be pushed further afield by the new ‘You are here’ dynamic. Personally I have scanned my available connections for those to invite to join on Foursquare but I consistently pass - as the filter in my head asks whether I really want the distant ring of friendship to know my coordinates.
I don’t have the detail of Facebook’s soon-to-launch check in feature, but I am sure they will have to build filters that allow you to designate friends as check-in worthy - creating new levels of distance between you.
While Facebook’s scale may allow it to win any social battle (in the short term), the final outcome on its role in location-based check in is far from decided. The new wrinkle in social will push everyone to look at themselves (and their friends) in the mirror.
Posted by Matt