First, what the heck is it?

Facebook Places is a new application that allows you to “check in” on your mobile device to a location when you are there.  You can also see who else is checked in to the same or nearby location.  Basically it’s a GPS tracking device that allows others to know your whereabouts (and you know theirs) at all times.

You can also leave comments and tips for friends to see. If you had great service at a particular restaurant, or got sick because you ate an undercooked hamburger, you can share your experience with your check-in and notify your friends.

Using GPS, the application will also identify other popular hot spots in your area. You can read the comments other left behind and discover new hangouts and social possibilities.

Second, why would anyone want to use it?

For many of us this may seem totally ridiculous.  Why would you want anyone knowing your location at all times?  But Facebook is not the first to create such an application, there are several others including FourSquare.  In fact when you indentify your location on FourSquare you rack up points, and if you spend enough time in one place, you eventually become the mayor of that location, earning discounts and even some freebees.

But Facebook Places isn’t yet combining the businesses and discounts to the patrons, I’m sure it’s on the way.   For now Places is a way to enhance the social experience.  Let’s say you are at the mall picking up a few items while the kids are in school.  Now you see that your best friend is checked in at the same mall- so you send her a quick note inviting her for lunch… no need to dine alone.

Third, Is it safe?

If you set it up correctly and behave appropriately than like most technology, I believe it is.  But the user’s behavior does matter!

First, the default setting for Places in Facebook is set to Friends Only, meaning that only your Facebook friends will be part of the network that can see when are where you are checked in to a location.  However, who are all these friends?  Many of our children collect friends on Facebook the way I used to collect Garbage Pale Kid Cards (keeping even the ones you don’t really need or want).  So if your kids are using Places and friending strangers, then strangers will be privy to their location.

It’s also important that you check your settings.  From within your FB account you will need to click on Settings | Privacy Settings | Customize settings.  Don’t stop at the privacy settings, it’s not there, look for the little blue text on the bottom left side of the window for the Customize settings button.  From there you can make the necessary selections.  You will want to make some decisions about whether or not friends can check you into a location and how far the information will reach.  Although overall I do like Facebook, I will admit, they have not always been the most transparent when it comes to their own privacy policies.  So make sure you are well informed, check your settings, keep your circle of friends tight and remember, in the end it’s what you post and with whom you share that matters.

Intro: Facebook Places is a new application that allows you to “check in” on your mobile device to a location when you are there.  You can also see who else is checked in to the same or nearby location.  Basically it’s a GPS tracking device that allows others to know your whereabouts (and you know theirs) at all times.