Location-Based Services And The 2012 Elections

Mashable reports that the upcoming 2012 American presidential elections may be a completely different landscape for politicians due to the ascendancy in location-based services that emphasize the importance of like-mindedness as mediated by the social networking realm. Certain politicians have begun to harness its power, with former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty’s campaign awarding points and badges to supporters in the style of Foursquare. Mashable explains:

Will it work? Don’t underestimate the value of peer pressure. On November 6, 2012, everyone will know if you actually voted. Not doing so will effectively disqualify you from kvetching about either political party. At that point, being a voter may trump being a mayor.

Mashable: “Why Location-Based Services Will be the Killer App of the 2012 Elections”