Swarm is a geo-location, social-gaming application that allows users to “check in” at specific locations and share with their social network. A companion app to the older Foursquare, the app is based on a point system that allows users to gamify travel for check-ins at certain locations. Businesses create promotions based on a user’s check-in at their location.
Many other services offer the same check-in feature as Swarm in some form. Swarm may be the most location-focused social network, but numerous services will let a user share their geographic location on the Internet.
Pros
Encourages users to explore the world around them Check-ins are fed into Foursquare to aid in tailoring suggested locations to a user If sharing is private, Swarm could be a fun way for kids to let parents know their location Businesses offer discounts and advantages for frequent check-ins Easily connects with other social apps for simple sharing The app itself generally contains appropriate content
Tags: Social Media • social network spotlight • Student Safety