Social Media: Location Based

A location based program is basically an online site that allows access through a mobile device. For example you can update your Twitter right from your phone without even being near a computer. Location based programs allow users to use their geographical locations in their updates and onto the programs you are using. Users of the connecting sites can track where their friends or followers are by identifying with the location linked with their profiles.
Two specific sites that are popular location based programs are Facebook and Google. The first article I found related to this topic was Facebook's location-based programs mean more setting adjustments for users by Seth Liss.
This article discussed the issue that Facebbok users are able to “check-in” and “tag” their friends in various locations without permission. This can be a very dangerous and scary feature that users need to pay more attention to. Does this feature simply promote stalking? Every time someone looks at your Facebook profile they can follow every place that you have been. I’m sure the feature was created to be taken lightly and used so friends could find you but has Facebook gone too far now?
Allowing the world to know where you are at every waking hour is not necessarily a safe feature. However, users do have the option of disabling their GPS and forbidding their friends to tag them in “places”. The problem is, many Facebook users don’t realize that they have this option or they don’t even understand how “places” works.
Another scary idea behind the GPS feature is the fact that it can trigger burglaries. There have been documented cases of homes being broken into after someone “checks-in” away from their house.
All in all, just be sure you are aware of this feature. It can be used in a fun, easy going way but be sure you don’t let it backfire on you.
The second location based program I read about was Google. The article was Official Google Latitude iPhone app returns to the Store by Martin Bryant. This article was very similar to the Facebook one. Google now has a new App. For the iphone called “Latitude”. Like Facebook Places, it allows users to check-in at various locations by using their GPS. You can find out where each of your friends are in real-time.
Through this site you are provided with a list of your friends. By simply clicking on them you can see their where-abouts and see the history of where they have been recently. The site is also connected with Google Maps which allows you to send direction of how to get to your location out to any of your friends. The site also provides you with an email so you can communicate with each other easily.
Location based sites are a brilliant idea and they have enormous benefits to their users. It is just important that users understand the repercussions. Always be smart about using a location based site.