Guilt, that staid construct of many long standing institutions, was always sort of like a bouncer for your life. Sorta kept you cool and didn't let you get too out of control for fear of consequence would rush in to break up that gaggle.

That seems to be in obsolecence. We, as a society aren't exactly mired in much (if any) guilt over what I’m now officially dubbing, insignificant announcement culture. I speak of incesant, penetrative check-ins, tweets and status updates of course. It’s become apart of our online vernacular, so in turn, it’s become apart of us. But for every seemingly useful “badge” created for the likes of Foursquare or SCVNGR, there is one that pop-outs like a fussy, adolescent pimple, reminding us that we may need to get a grip on what is means to “keep it to yourself”.

I was made aware of a new badge created by Foursquare's Johnathan Crowley. It's called "It's a Badge" and it announces the gender of your newly born baby at the time of birth, via Foursquare's check-in technology. One would gather that a mommy-to-be or expectant father thought this idea novel in continuing, or rather completing the cycle of the insignificant announcement culture life. I, on the other hand, was left with feelings as cold as a witches tit. Some things, some moments are just too precious to sully with the idea of winning a badge. I made the joke that earning a "It's a Badge" is akin in silliness and offense to earning one for making said baby (reference: “I Just Had Sex!”).

The badge text reads:

Look at that beautiful baby! She looks just like you! Congrats on one of the happiest days of your life! Now put down the phone and breathe deep. Because, though it’s a miracle to see the baby come out, wait ’til you see what comes out of the baby!



The unlocked badge was released last week to mixed reviews and mild scrutiny, though Foursquare’s loyalist base seemed eager to leap in, and the focus of reactions shifted from “why” one would make a baby (naturally for legacy, love or life), and to “I’d really like to earn this badge!” or “Sweet! How can I unlock this one?”.

While communication has never been at a more advanced point in our time, developments like this beg the question: “what is too much?”.

Does the thrill of the game layer, in its entire sycophantic, reward-based loyalty trump the thrill of bringing a living breathing life into the world?

I, for one, truly hope not.

links to consider: http://aboutfoursquare.com/its-a-badge/