Get in car – Check.

Arrive at destination – Check.

Open Foursquare or Gowalla – Check-In.

This used to be my ritual when I went anywhere. But lately it has seemed so trivial, even though it probably has been since the very beginning. I’ve started to ask myself the question, “Why am I checking-in here again?” Was it simply me being a Megaphone? What purpose does it serve? Very seldom did I get to use check-ins for promotional deals on Foursquare (maybe 5% of the time). The rest was just Facebook and Twitter fodder.

It also began to hurt me a little. Checking into sites like Foursquare and Gowalla was keeping me on the phone in public for unnecessary reasons. My phone usage was becoming apparent over time. I didn’t think I was that bad, but people started to compare it to a smoking habit, and I began to notice several candid photos of me on Facebook, looking down at my phone. The truth of the situation began emerge.

places

So, to condition my habit I decided to no longer use Foursquare and Gowalla. I haven’t used Gowalla for a long time now. Personally, I love the interface and wish Foursquare were more like it. However, I thought the digital items you pick up or drop off with every check-in began to feel pointless. Foursquare seemed to have more of a personal and financial benefit for me. It has become apparent that businesses are beginning to jump into the squares to take their turn at passing the promo-ball. I remember checking into Chilis and getting a deal for discounted chips and salsa. The general manager didn’t even know about it but was happy to oblige.

foursquare

So does Foursquare have a benefit? Sure, I think so, at least in the long-run. I think it’s still young and not enough businesses are buying into the idea of using it as a marketing tool. Maybe someday there will be specials with every check-in. But until then I think I’ll remain on the sidelines. As for Gowalla? The interface is pretty, but I’ll need more of a reason to start go-walling again. Yes, I just verbed-up Gowalla. You’re welcome.

Now let’s change gears and talk about Facebook’s entry in geo-location – Places. I gotta say, I think it’s a good start. Checking in, which seems a lot less fickle than Gowalla and Foursquare’s locating navigation, seems to make more sense coming from where you’re most likely to share anyway. And tagging friends to have them check in with you is pretty cool. I think it can get out of hand sometimes and I haven’t used Places as much as I did Gowalla or Foursquare. However, I do use it for special events or places I wouldn’t normally check into. I think if Facebook gets businesses to start offering deals with check-ins, it can be a real winner. Maybe adding a game element, like the fun Mayorship of Foursquare, could be a fun addition. Too soon to tell though.