Tyler Falk reports on new data released by Facebook, mapping the top 5 "social landmarks" in 25 cities from Seoul to São Paulo.
Last week, social networking giant Facebook crunched the numbers on where its users are "checking in" the most in cities across the globe. Its analysis labels these venues "social landmarks," though perhaps unsurprisingly, those that came out on top tended to be places you might just find yourself dawdling on your smartphone: sports arenas, shopping centers, and big-name American chain restaurants (like Hard Rock Cafe and T.G.I. Friday's). Notably, public squares and parks topped many lists, as well.
For those not in the know, "checking in" is a feature of social networks whereby users can announce their physical presence (at a bar, mall, or other enviable locale) in the digital realm. Facebook unveiled its "check-in" feature roughly a year and a half ago.
"While these destinations are considered 'social' places in Facebook terms," Falk opines, "they might be just the opposite in real-life terms."
FULL STORY: Graphic of the Day: The World's Most 'Social' Landmarks

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

Cal Fire Chatbot Fails to Answer Basic Questions
An AI chatbot designed to provide information about wildfires can’t answer questions about evacuation orders, among other problems.

What Happens if Trump Kills Section 8?
The Trump admin aims to slash federal rental aid by nearly half and shift distribution to states. Experts warn this could spike homelessness and destabilize communities nationwide.

Sean Duffy Targets Rainbow Crosswalks in Road Safety Efforts
Despite evidence that colorful crosswalks actually improve intersection safety — and the lack of almost any crosswalks at all on the nation’s most dangerous arterial roads — U.S. Transportation Secretary Duffy is calling on states to remove them.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie