Lifestyle, News

New Snapchat ‘Snap Map’ feature causes concern

0 217

Humanity Hallows Issue 6 Out Now
Pick up your copy on campus or read online


By Hassan Irshad


Last week, a new feature on Snapchat called the ‘Snap Map’ was introduced on its website as ‘a whole new way to explore the world’. The feature allows users to share their location on an interactive map, appearing as their Bitmoji avatar or, in the case that they have not created one, simply as a coloured silhouette.

The map location system gives the precise location of the user, down to their exact whereabouts on a street, and has  naturally raised some concerns among users and, in particular, their parents. As reported by the Independent, people are alarmed that the feature “could expose children to potential predators.”

However, as explained in a piece by Refinery29, ‘Ghost Mode’ is an option, whereby your location is not shown, and the user can also decide who is able to see their location via a setting on the app. Additionally, the prime feature of the map is not always the location of your friends. As Jack Brody, a product designer at Snap, explains in the article: “This map isn’t about where am I, it’s about where are my friends and what are they up to? It’s not about figuring out how to get to your destination, but about discovering where you want to go.”

About the author / 

Humanity Hallows

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More News Stories:

  • Fcukers @ New Century Hall gallery – bringing the party to Manchester

    Featured image and gallery: Lucy Elson-Whittaker Fcukers headline a sold-out show at Manchester’s New Century Hall, in support of their long-awaited debut album, ‘ö’. Opening the night are Sydney-based Sleepazoid, whose hazy, atmospheric sound offers a sharp contrast to the headliners’ explosive energy. Their set feels cinematic and dream-like, serving as both a striking opener…

  • Q&A: DR DR on Manchester, Justin Timberlake and full-fat milk

    Featured image and gallery: Sub Khan Hailing from Manchester and playing a sold-out show at Manchester’s Lion’s Den, with an imminent EP on the way, aAh! speaks to Fred Farrell (vocals) and Danny Atherton (bass) of Dr Dr. Did you start the band during Covid times? Is that where it all originated? F: It was…

  • Yellow Days @ Gorilla review – a night of cinematic neo-soul

    Featured image: Gary Walker Neo-blues soul artist Yellow Days, the stage name of Haslemere’s George van den Broek, returns to Manchester with his seventh album, Rock And A Hard Place, and a live show that proves just how far he has come.  Before he steps out, London-based act Brian Nasty warms the room up nicely,…

  • The Royston Club @ O2 Victoria Warehouse gallery: sending shivers down your spine

    Featured image and gallery: Sally Stretch The Royston Club perform alongside Overpass and Permanent (Joy) at a sold-out O2 Victoria Warehouse. Welsh indie rock band The Royston Club, school friends who began playing together in 2017, now headline O2 Victoria Warehouse in Manchester. Touring second album Songs For The Spine, they generate an energetic sold-out…