Today, on World AIDS Day, we re-dedicate ourselves to raising awareness about an epidemic that has claimed far too many lives. This is an opportunity for us to reflect on the many tools we use to reach our audience and whether they are appropriate for the messages we are trying to communicate. Since there has been a great deal of buzz about global positional systems, or GPS-enabled applications and services that determine your location, we wanted to share with you what we’ve learned about one tool in particular and how it is being used in the field.

What is Foursquare?

FoursquareExit Disclaimer is a GPS-enabled social network and TwitterExit Disclaimer.

Who is using Foursquare?

• 4 million users have created a Foursquare accountExit Disclaimer, resulting in a total of 200 million “check-ins” since October 2010;
• 20,000 new users create a Foursquare account everydayExit Disclaimer; and
• 4% of online AmericansExit Disclaimer use location-based services like Foursquare as of November 2010.

Foursquare in response to HIV

• Find local HIV services and events.
• Promote HIV testing, services, and events.
• Raise awareness about HIV and foster discussion.

Examples from the field

• MTV and Kaiser Family Foundation’s “Get Yourself Tested” CampaignExit Disclaimer
• American Public Health Association
• (RED)Exit Disclaimer and their Turn Red for World AIDS Day CampaignExit Disclaimer (tip: “shout” #turnred when you check in anywhere today to get a special (RED) badge!)

Where can I learn more about Foursquare?

• Foursquare: https://foursquare.com/Exit Disclaimer
• About Foursquare: https://foursquare.com/aboutExit Disclaimer