I started Google Guiding about two years ago as a way to replace my app gaming habits. I noticed that every time I was idle, I would open my phone and fidget with a game. Wile this filled my time, it didn’t really add anything to me or to anyone else.
I started Google Guiding because it felt a lot like a game but also had meaning and contributed to the people around me.
At first, I simply wanted to win the badges. As a near obsessive completionist, I looked at the levels and badges simply as a game to finish. Ultimately, though, I became far more connected to the ideas behind the app. I started really thinking about the places that I was reviewing and what I’d want to read if I were looking for information in someone else’s review.
I began to genuinely examine the locations and venues I visited for amenities, accessibility, atmosphere, and features. I began to not only think about my experience, but how could I help people by informing them in useful ways.
When I first discovered guiding in my Google Maps app I didn’t expect it to become a meaningful part of my life or something that I would care about doing well and consistently. It did though. The idea at the center of local guiding, the shared awareness, the supportive community, has really charmed me. Together, we are all more aware, together we collect more information and create a more accurate picture of our little pieces of the world.
When I use Google Guides I feel more connected to my community and like I can contribute something worthwhile even though I am running mundane errands or simply getting through my day.
I would honestly suggest Google Guides to anyone who has been feeling that their gaming experience or their app engagement is failing them. If you unlock your phone and find yourself staring and hoping for connection google guides may help you the way it helped me.
The structure of the app is very easy to use, writing reviews simply takes a little practice and finding a voice within yourself, taking pictures is available to anyone who has a phone and writing a review or posting the pictures can be done at your convenience during those little spaces where one would normally try to occupy themselves with a game.
I started using the Google Guides app in connection to buying a new phone. When I held it in my hand I decided that I didn’t want to put games on the device. I didn’t want to fill my mental space waiting for energy timers or grinding for events, I wanted to do something.
For two years now I have succeeded in more meaningful engagement and a long term contribution with my life and my community by simply by swapping my game apps for Guiding.