What are the dangers of Location Based Social Networking?
While Location Based Social Networking allows a user to let friends know where they are located, the use of these applications poses risks to the user. Programs like Facebook Places, Foursquare and Gowalla are designed to share your location only with friends. However, anytime a person posts information online, that information could potentially be by someone looking to harm the user.
Broadcasting your current location allows a potential predator to know where you are currently located. These programs also track where you frequently visit, which a potential predator can use to harm you. Lastly, announcing you are away from your home puts your property at risk. If you do plan on using this type of social networking, it is important to use privacy controls to restrict who see’s your “check-ins,” keeping in mind the potential that your location may not stay private.
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