The prevalence of tracking apps, such as Find My Friends, in relationships is on the rise, with the idea of monitoring a partner’s phone becoming increasingly common for safety and logistical reasons. The Independent explores whether this technology is a lifesaving tool or a catalyst for paranoia and potentially harmful behaviour.
In the past, the concept of using tracking apps may have seemed like a storyline from a dystopian TV show, but today, they are widely embraced. A survey conducted in 2019 revealed that 40% of parents and guardians in the UK utilise GPS tracking for their children daily. While tracking friends and family can be seen as a gesture of care and affection, tracking a romantic partner raises different considerations.
On the surface, tracking a partner’s location can offer peace of mind – ensuring they arrive at their destination safely or keeping track of their whereabouts when travelling. It can also serve practical purposes, like checking if they are running late. For many couples, sharing locations is purely for convenience, safety, and practicality, rather than a tool for spying on fidelity.
Some individuals view location tracking as a way to strengthen trust and communication in their relationships. Couples share that using tracking apps helps them feel secure, particularly in situations involving potential hazards like severe weather or commuting in busy areas. In some cases, these apps can even be instrumental in emergencies, as in the instance where one partner was located after a car accident through a tracking app.
While tracking apps offer benefits, there is a darker side to consider. Continuous surveillance through these apps can lead to feelings of suspicion, invasion of privacy, and even normalise stalking tendencies. The ease of monitoring someone’s every move might create a false sense of control, potentially escalating into unhealthy behaviours.
As the use of tracking technology becomes more prevalent, ethical concerns arise. Similar to monitoring apps, like Strava, which inadvertently revealed instances of infidelity, the fine line between ensuring safety and invading privacy becomes blurred. The level of surveillance provided by these apps can either strengthen a healthy relationship or exacerbate issues in an unhealthy one.
Ultimately, the decision to track a partner’s location depends on the dynamics and trust within the relationship. While some couples find comfort and security in using tracking apps, others may find it a cause for distress and suspicion. As technology evolves, it is crucial for individuals to navigate the boundaries of privacy and trust carefully to avoid potential pitfalls associated with continuous surveillance.