what puzzles me is the next stage in the social media total disclosure movement: the need to tell where you’re located. Using services such as FourSquare and Brightkite, people are broadcasting their locations – e.g. I’m now at 432 Main St., Boston, Mass.
While I sort of get why some people might find this service to be interesting or a novelty, it strikes me as so 1984-ish. It’s bad enough we’re publicly disclosing lots of personal details of our lives but when you start telling people where you are as well, the entire concept of privacy evaporates.
I think its one thing to tell people what you’re doing, but I don’t think it’s necessary to broadcast your exact location. My worry has always been some sophisticated thief is going to use this information to rob me when I’m not at home. It might sound silly, but I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a rise in break-ins in the future powered by Brightkite and FourSquare.
Do you use Brightkite or FourSquare? If so what do you ever worry that broadcasting your location might get you into trouble?