Why I Stopped Checking In

When I was in Disney World in October, I noticed a lot of my friends were using Foursquare.

It seemed like a good way to know who was where, so I signed up, and on and off for the next few months, I checked into places all the time.

If you’ve never used a “checking in” app, you basically check in to the place where you are, virtually. It’s a great way to see if you’re in the same area as friends. (Though people use it as a stalking tool too. Yeah.) You can also use Facebook or Yelp to “check in”.

But over a week ago, I decided I was done with checking in. I’m just not into it, at least for now.

FOR TIME

I’ve mentioned it before. While I love doing things online, I also love to be offline and live my life.

By writing blog posts. And going walking and running. And meeting up with friends.

I don’t always need to be online, especially just to click that I’m at a certain place at a certain time. It’s fun and can get addictive, but I was spending too much time on Foursquare – time that I’d rather spend doing other things.

FOR PRIVACY

Really. No one needs to know whether I’m at the supermarket, getting a haircut, or sitting at the library.

I suppose if I was in New York City and was out and noticed on Foursquare that a friend was down the street or something, we could meet up. But most of the time, I just want to do my own thing, and if I run into someone randomly, great, or if we make plans ahead of time to hang out, even better.

FOR SLOWING DOWN

I noticed on my trip to Florida earlier this month that I was checking in constantly. My eyes were glued to my phone, and it always felt like a race to see who would check in first.

It’s kind of fun, sure – and addictive – but I also want to slow down, take my time, and not worry about every little action I take part in.

I’m trying to focus more on the big picture for now, and conversations, and noticing what’s going on around me. If anything, my check ins made time pass by too quickly.

BUT I DO STILL CHECK IN, SOMETIMES

After opening my Foursquare account, I noticed there were some deals at shops and restaurants.

I’ve gotten free dim sum for my family at a Chinese restaurant, and got $10 back once while out for drinks with friends. So sometimes, if I’m at a restaurant or café, I’ll check Foursquare, just to see if there are any specials.

It’s always a fun surprise to get free food.

BUT I ALSO DON’T WANT TO GET PREACHY

Lots of my friends use Foursquare or Facebook to check in to places. And that’s okay.

As always on here, I don’t want to be preachy or think that I don’t like “checking in” for anyone.

It’s just not for me. Right now. Regularly.

While I’m on this time management kind of kick, I’ll be passing on the check ins. I know that it’s fun, but I can easily get caught up in it (like Twitter or Facebook, or any other addictive app or website).

Just as quickly as I got into Foursquare, I’ve gotten right out of it. And I think it’s for the best.

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