Facebook's New Infographic: Where Are We 'Checking In'?

Tyler Falk reports on new data released by Facebook, mapping the top 5 "social landmarks" in 25 cities from Seoul to São Paulo.

1 minute read

June 25, 2012, 11:00 AM PDT

By Ryan Lue


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."

Friday, June 22, 2012 in The Atlantic Cities

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Floor-to-ceiling rotating gates at Fairmount subway station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Crime Continues to Drop on Philly, San Francisco Transit Systems

SEPTA and BART both saw significant declines in violent crime in the first quarter of 2025.

4 hours ago - Mass Transit

South LA Wetlands Park in Los Angeles, California.

How South LA Green Spaces Power Community Health and Hope

Green spaces like South L.A. Wetlands Park are helping South Los Angeles residents promote healthy lifestyles, build community, and advocate for improvements that reflect local needs in historically underserved neighborhoods.

5 hours ago - ABC 7 Eyewitness News

Intersection in downtown Sacramento, California with neoclassical building with columns on left.

Sacramento Plans ‘Quick-Build’ Road Safety Projects

The city wants to accelerate small-scale safety improvements that use low-cost equipment to make an impact at dangerous intersections.

6 hours ago - The Sacramento Bee