Since yesterday, the average Malaysian user has finally just received a new feature in the Instagram application called 'Friend Map'. Although reports that Instagram has been testing this feature since last February have been shared for a long time, this feature can only be used by all Instagram users in Malaysia through the latest update.
This feature works with users choosing to share their location with friends in the 'Close Friends' list or with all the followers they follow on Instagram (followers you follow back). It allows users to have full control over who can see their location with the option to hide the location or only want to show it to close friends.
Through it, a map view will show the location of other friends who share their location. However, the location shown is not a location that will change in real time because it will only change according to the location where the user last accessed Instagram. Not just sharing locations, this Friend Map feature also allows users to add notes on the map about the latest activities or events at the location.
However, since this feature was launched in Malaysia, there have been various views and opinions about the benefits and concerns about the negative impact of this feature, especially involving privacy and security issues. Therefore, this is a sharing of advantages and disadvantages. But before that how to access this Friend Map feature?
Update your Instagram app to the latest version on Android and iOS.
Go to the Direct Message icon in the top right corner of the application.
In the top row you will see a new Map option next to the Your Note icon.
Press the Map icon and choose to allow location tracking.
Choose who you want to allow to access the location.
Have fun using Friend Map. If it's not in your app, it's because this feature is being rolled out.
Advantage
Can strengthen the relationship with fellow followers on Instagram by allowing users to know the whereabouts of their friends at certain times.
This feature is also felt to be very useful for planning meetings with friends.
Making interactions on Instagram more interactive and fun.
Deficiencies
There is an issue of concern as it involves the privacy of users by making their location known to many people.
This feature also has the potential to be a tool for any malicious intent such as harassment or stalking.
It is likely to reduce direct social interaction as users only rely on the virtual map through the feature.
In conclusion, we feel that the 'Friend Map' feature on Instagram is an interesting new feature but should be used with wisdom. It is important to remember that features like these are part of technology and technology is a tool. That being said, whether a tool is good or bad depends on how we use it.