There are more than 100 apps for
social networking. One of the newest “Highlight” which was launched on January
24, of this year, works by looking through your Facebook account to find who
you know and what you like. Then it uses your iPhone’s GPS to let you know when
someone you know is in your general vicinity, or when someone with the same
interests as you is nearby. It continuously monitors where you are and shares
it both inside and outside your existing circle of friends.
Its internal
message feature can help you meet up with friends who might be in the coffee
shop next door, or introduce yourself to potential business contacts, buddies,
or romantic interests. “The app’s home screen shows a reverse
chronological list of all the people you’ve crossed paths with. Clicking
through to someone reveals basic information they’ve added, mutual friends and
interests, Highlight status updates, and a log of every time you’ve been nearby
them.”
I can think of ways it could be useful, but I can also think
of ways that users may abuse this app. I personally wouldn’t get it.
Sources:
http://techcrunch.com/2012/01/24/highlight/
http://iphone.appstorm.net/roundups/lifestyle-roundups/100-social-networking-apps-to-feed-your-internet-addiction/
I think this app is very interesting. If you are careful with who you accept as facebook friends then it could be quite useful. However, if like most people then you become facebook friends with everyone you've ever met, this application would become much more dangerous.
ReplyDeleteIf I ever decided to go through all my facebook friends and leave only my close friends I would certainly look at getting this app, right now I would be in the same boat as you and stay away though.
It sounds very much like a platform that mimics Foursquare. Much like c1greato, I think there is definitely a reasonable use for it, but it could certainly be abused if in the wrong hands. All kinds of security concerns come to mind. The dangers of knowing where someone might be, or tracking someone's location is always a sensitive issue.
ReplyDeleteI've never really understood the fascination people have with disclosing their location. I can see why someone might want to let others know they're on the Eiffel Tower or going to visit Mayan temples, but to say that you were at Starbucks seems kind of pointless to me.