Putting Your Home Address on Foursquare, Is That a Good Idea?

Over the past few weeks, I have grown more excited about playing the game of Foursquare. Through the mobile phone, users can update their current location and earn points. The number of points available depends on a number of factors. For instance, I can earn points for visiting places that I have never been before.

Repeat visits to a single spot may earn you the title of Mayor. Going out to ten different venues will secure a badge that adorns your site. Finally, you may even take tips from friends and challenge yourself to explore new adventures.

Foursquare has grown in popularity over the past few months. Many of my early adopter friends are using the service to share interesting places, good food, and their love for traveling. In a few cases, I have noticed some checking in to their home addresses.

My initial reaction is one of opportunity. I can earn more points by checking in at home, where I spend a great deal of time. Fortunately, I am also cautious about sharing too much information. Do I really want people to know when I get home or when I leave?

Having conducted a Google search on myself, I found that there is a lot of information out there on me. In fact, I found my phone number and home address out there, but is that bad?

For years, I have been listed in the white pages of the local telephone book. Today, one can even Google Map my neighborhood and see pictures of my house. Not that it is real-time, but there it is.

So, let me ask you the question. Is putting personal information on the Internet a good or bad idea? How do you feel about sharing your whereabouts online? Let's talk about it in the comment section below.

Until next time...