(photo credits: In this Friday 23 June 2017
photo, users plot their snaps onto a map others can see where they are and what
they are doing. (Photo by Lionel Bonaventure/AFP/Getty Images)
When the fun,
exciting Snapchat app updated yesterday, there was a new feature for its users.
Snap Map is an advanced feature that allows its users to locate their friends on
the Snapchat app. Friends who are following each other no longer have to wonder
where they are, when they can simply use SnapMap, to feel ahead of each other. However,
the convenient feature raises some questions from parents of younger app users.
ABC Breaking News | Latest News Videos
ABC NEWS’ Jesse
Palmer explains in a video how the app works, and the concerns from parents
using the feature.
“If you update
your Snapchat map on your phone, you’ll be prompted to either opt in, sharing
your location on SnapMap, or staying in Ghost Mode, the default setting. So you
can see where others are, but they can’t see you,” Palmer said.
Palmer added that
it’s impossible to share your locations with someone who isn’t your friend. You
can even select which friends see you, and which ones don’t. The Map only
updates your location when you’re actually using the app.
Palmer reminded
viewers that location features such as SnapMap aren’t considered
groundbreaking, but they can be controlled when and how they are activated. “Apps
like Facebook Messenger and Apple’s Find My Friends allow you to share your
specific location with others,” Palmer said. “And since this type of technology
isn’t going away anytime soon, experts suggest talking to your children about
who they add, being selective about what the word ‘friend’ is, and when your
kids update their apps, make sure you’re up to date on what that means for
them.”
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