https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvl82FfnUvw
On one hand, Snapchat’s new opt-in feature, Snap Map, seems like a great idea. Basically, a user shares their location with friends on a map within Snapchat which can allow them to see what you’re up to. An easy click on a buddy in the map will show their snaps and if they’re nearby, you can drop in on them. Impromptu fun times abound! But, what users may not know is that your location can be broadcast to everyone on your friend’s list just by opening the app.
As The Verge astutely pointed out, users may not even know they’ve enabled Snap Map. Opting in is three quick button pushes (that seem like a simple geotagging request). Give the OK, and you’re placed alongside your friends in a map that can be zoomed in on and referenced through something like Google Earth. Thankfully, The Verge is reporting that only mutual friends can see each other’s locations on the map, but that doesn’t soothe the stress that could be induced by an unexpected, Kramer-esque drop in.
Of course, if you keep your friends list full of people you know, this shouldn’t be an issue (send a courtesy text before dropping by). But for some people, the fact that they can be home, lounging on the couch after a long day and broadcasting their location to the world isn’t the most calming notion. Beyond unexpected friend drop-ins and nights out that lead to improvised check-splitting, there’s the whole stalking factor if someone has a friend who is willing to share your location with someone who shouldn’t be seeing that information.
Thankfully, a user’s location will disappear after eight hours if the user doesn’t, you know, open the app to update their location again. And even then, Snap Map can be disabled through Ghost Mode, but that doesn’t stop the inherent creepiness of people knowing exactly where you are whenever you want to see a silly video of your friend’s dog vomiting a rainbow.
Instagram stories wouldn’t put you in awkward situations or lead to privacy concerns.
(Read more via The Verge)