Maybe I am just paranoid, or looking too far into the scene. It could be I am somewhat rebelious and enjoy personal freedom. Or it is possible that I do not enjoy having a device that acts as a tether for friends and online.
Thursday in class there was a presentation on a new phone that had an option that would ultilize GPS sattelites to pinpoint your position on the Earth. It sounds awesome and a cool new gadet that the "cool kids" will have. It will most likely be the new hip add on to the phone, and most teens and young adults will have it on their phone, but look deeper and the dark side begins to surface.
Anyone who has the Mologolo program, which is free to download, can see who is in the area, the state the country. It pinpoints a user on the screen within a few meters. You can set a feature that allows only your friends to view you.
To me this just another technology that is being marketed correctly to engage young minds. What it actually is however, is a techonology that puts a person on the grid. We as a soceity are moving towards a virtual world, where privacy takes a back seat. Just as cell phones did, now it is expected that everyone can be reached at all times. However, at least with phones you do NOT have to answer.
In a time with increased concern over online venues such as myspace and facebook, are we really interested in a techonolgy that allows the public to view your position? I s it just me, or does this sound like a child molestor's dream product? Think now, people can view your every move with out anyone knowing. Forget creepy adults, think about jealous ex's. Psychotic stalkers?!?
This is a product that has great potential when used correctly, camping trips or as rentals in amusement parks, but for public will act more as a tracking device for creeps than a useful location device for teens.
Parents, watch your child, don't let them be watched by others.
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