A new play has hit the digital field, and it’s raising questions for anyone who values their personal space. Instagram, a platform used by billions, recently rolled out a feature that lets users discover content based on where their friends have been. While it offers some handy perks, experts are waving a caution flag, calling it a privacy and security risk. This new function is now available.
The feature, officially dubbed “Instagram Map” by Meta, the company that owns Instagram, aims to connect users with fresh content from their buddies and favorite creators. Think of it like a digital scoreboard showing where all the action is happening. But like any new strategy, you need to understand the game.
Thankfully, this location-sharing option isn’t on by default. You have to actively switch it on for others to see your recent whereabouts on the map. Instagram was clear about this when they first announced the update back in August. They explained it requires a double check for consent. This means after you decide to share your spot, the app confirms you’re truly okay with the rules.
Tito de Morais, a co-founder of the “Agarrados à Net” project, sees a few positive angles. He mentioned to the Lusa agency that it “can increase engagement with people or help find businesses” nearby. Imagine finding a cool coffee shop or a local gym where your friends often train. That sounds good on paper.
However, Cristiane Miranda, another co-founder from “Agarrados à Net,” brings a different perspective to the locker room. She warns against the real-time sharing of your location. “Anyone sharing their real-time location is putting themselves at risk,” she stated. It’s a clear warning, like a coach telling you to protect the ball.
She also pointed out a common habit among young people. They often share their locations on apps like WhatsApp and other social networks. This new Instagram map could add even more social pressure. Kids might feel compelled to share what they’re doing all the time, sometimes not even thinking about whether they’re showing it to close friends or just casual acquaintances. Cristiane Miranda worries that “young people often experiment a lot and might experiment without understanding the risk.”
Tito de Morais chimed in, highlighting that social pressure can easily become something more serious, especially for children. He stressed how important it is to talk openly with kids and teenagers about the dangers these online activities can bring. Cristiane Miranda believes the launch of “Instagram Map” is “an excellent opportunity to talk to kids about privacy issues, the importance of having private accounts.” It’s about teaching them the defensive plays in the digital game.
The good news is that Instagram lets you control your audience. You can choose to share your location with all your friends and followers, just with your “close friends” (a list you can edit yourself), or with an even smaller, more specific group that you pick.
In other news from Meta’s social network, Instagram has also added another feature. Like TikTok, you can now re-share short videos, known as “Reels,” and other posts. This only works if the original content was shared publicly.
These updates matter because Instagram is a massive platform. The EFE news agency reports that three billion people use Instagram every month worldwide. That’s a huge stadium, making digital safety more important than ever.