Possible Implications of Location-Sharing – Google’s Latitude

Google has announced a new location-based tracking feature that will integrate with Google Maps called Google Latitude. It’s being launched as a maps application for mobile devices such as the Blackberry, Google Android and WinMo. Apple’s iPhone and iPod Touch are said to be enroute and there’s an iGoogle widget.

******************************************

But what are the implications of sharing your exact coordinates on a local map online anyway? Why be telling your network of friends where you are? Ain’t this taking social media narcissism and openness to a whole new dangerous level? Simply put, isn’t Google just using this to push more ads at us? ::Le sigh::

Google searchers are already monitored by what they search and ads are already displayed for our delectation based on our IP location. Similarly, contextually-relevant keywords are highlighted in other social media such as Facebook.

Monetization is one of the negatives of Google but only if we let it get to us. About Google Latitude, the question is whether it might have any application in medicine. I keep returning to the simple question: Is it a good idea to be able to track people at all times using technology? Sure we can do it – but do we want to? You decide.

******************************************