Location-based marketing or networking isn’t exactly new but it’s been one controversial topic this year. People have been talking and tweeting about it but is it all it’s cracked up to be?

Foursquare, the site that allows users to ‘check-in’ to locations via mobile phones and broadcast their whereabouts, was created in 2009.

People who tweet don’t ‘thumbs-up’ like it when users connect their Foursquare account to Twitter and broadcasted their every move as in: “I’ve just checked in to PLACE X.”

The general sentiment on Twitter is “We don’t frigging care!”

Personally I’m not enthusiastic about location-based marketing, even though I set up a Foursquare account (hey, it’s part of my job). It’s a bit of an overshare that could delight psychopaths with stalkerish tendencies. And it seems I’m not the only sceptic.

‘Please Rob Me’ is a giggle worthy concept that highlights the dangers of broadcasting your location. It use to contain a stream of updates from location-based networks showing when users check-in somewhere other than their home. The idea is that when you tell people you’re not at home; it’s an ideal time for crooks to plunder your loot! It sure is something to think about!

So will location-based networks continue to be all the rage in 2011?

Facebook must think so; they developed Facebook Places after all. This video explains how Facebook Places works:

In theory it seems fine but when a friend of mine in the UK updated her Facebook profile via her mobile from home, I not only saw her address, I could access a street map to her house along with her other 300+ friends. Now that’s creepy! Protect yourself by checking your Facebook privacy settings and disable Facebook Places. Read how to do this here.

It’s safe to say that I won’t be broadcasting my location this festive season but I’m picturing myself here:

And if checking into Foursquare can magically transport me there, I’ll definitely risk the Twitter tirades!

Wish you all a very merry Christmas and happy New Year,

Monique

Read more of Monique‘s blog posts here.

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