Questions... so a lot of my facebook friends make these posts when they "check in" cretin places like restaurants and other random places.... what is that and how do they do it?

it's an app feature on smart phones, just a thing so they can tell folks where they are, who is with them, and possibly meet up with friends.

So to use it you have to download an app on your phone? What is the app called? LMAO I'm totally phone illiterate! hahaha

I'm nearly positive it's called Four Square. Google that and you should get to their page, where you can figure out how to get the aps.

Be careful when using this app though! It's been used by others in bad ways- to see when people are not at their apartment to rob them, or worse.

I'm not being paranoid, just safe. There's a lot of good reasons not to broadcast where you are and where you aren't to the online community. Just think carefully about what information you want to share with anyone and everyone.

The Facebook app on iPhones has a check-in button, you don't have to use four square. I don't use it, for security reasons as mentioned before.

Indiblue - you're exactly right, though - that sharing of info lets way too many folks know how far from home you are ...who's with you, etc...

the facebook app for android has a 'places' option so you can check in. but be sure your privacy settings are in places so only people you trust to see your 'check ins' are allowed to see them.

Thanks guys!

Agreed with the above - I never use it as I don't want to advertise when we are away from home

^^^^I don't either. No matter how excited I get about going on vacation, I never announce on my FB statuses, etc., that I am "going to NYC tomorrow" or "3 sleeps 'til Toronto!" Although I only have friends on FB, you never know who might see a friend's open newsfeed and discover that I am not at home. After I get back, I post pics and casual friends say, "I didn't even know you were going anywhere!"