In this age where everyone is 'taggable' and you can 'check in' anywhere you go, it raises an interesting situation related to privacy and safety as a result. What is the point of 'checking in' or 'tagging' friends to say that they are with you somewhere? Is this a form of bragging or allowing people to keep track of where you are and who you are with? Is this safe?
One of the first things that is taught when children are being oriented with the web is never tell others about your whereabouts because you could be found and hurt. So why do we, as adults do this? Most of the time, it is irrelevant to tell people that you are at Starbucks drinking coffee with your boyfriend. It is not necessary information, and it will not enhance the lives of your friends or otherwise captive audience on a social network. Why do we think anyone cares? While I too am guilty of this, I can really only see safety issues. As adults, we have the consent to submit to the possible danger, and hopefully the ability to protect ourselves from what could happen as a result. But the real danger comes from teenagers who check in, because they want to be known as popular, or any other socio-emotional reason that someone would do so.
No comments:
Post a Comment