Four Square is no longer just a game you play at recess; it now is a type of social networking with a twist.

Foursquare, an application available through any phone with GPS capability (including the iPhone, BlackBerry, Ovi, Android and Palm), allows users to connect and share information when they check into different locations.

“(Foursquare) adds a virtual ‘check-in’ layer to the physical world,” said Bryan Mishkin, junior in Engineering, in an e-mail interview.

Though it may seem like it is an imitation of Facebook and Twitter, Foursquare differs from its social networking counterparts in that it focuses more on location.

“While Twitter and Facebook answer the question, ‘What are you doing?,’ Foursquare answers the question, ‘Where are you?’” said Michael Joseph, Foursquare user and senior in Business.

The application also offers a competitive aspect in which Foursquare rewards points for each place the user checks in. After a certain amount of points, Foursquare enthusiasts earn badges and can become the “mayor” of that location.

“Being mayor can be a prestigious title depending on the popularity of the location,” Mishkin said. Mishkin is the current “mayor” of seven campus locations.

Not only does Foursquare satisfy the competitive spirit, but locations registered on Foursquare also benefit those looking to save some extra money by offering discounts to the users who check-in at their businesses.

According to Joseph, the Foursquare application seems to be trending toward a channel for businesses to advertise and offer incentives for checking in at their establishments.

Yet another benefit of the application is that it enables those who frequent certain locations to share insider information, said Ron Meyer, freshman in Engineering. For example, a Foursquare user can share his or her favorite thing to order on a restaurant menu or a certain special going on at a store.

“It becomes collaborative, so you can help out all of your friends and share secret tips,” Joseph said.

In especially dynamic areas like the University of Illinois, Foursquare can exert a certain level of influence.

“Foursquare is more powerful than a lot of people realize. Trending locations shows you where large gatherings are taking place, like a basketball game at Assembly Hall, or a concert at Canopy Club,” Mishkin said.

The personal aspect of Foursquare is an element that motivates Mishkin to continue to check in wherever he goes.

“Who else can put a count to the number of unique places they’ve visited in the last month?” Mishkin said.