- Meta has announced the new Instagram feature, which has many worried users for their online confidentiality
- Although the new feature is only opt, it did not prevent angry users from sharing their reflections on X and Reddit
- If you are one of these users, there is a way to make sure that your location settings are deactivated for the new Instagram card
Instagram Maps is one of the last additions to the application interface, and even if it only has a week since its deployment, it has not left the best impression on users – including me.
With a series of other features, including a new Friends tab on the roller page, Instagram Maps is a new function in the messages section which allows you to share your location in real time with friends. It is very similar to Snap Maps, which has existed for almost eight years.
According to Meta’s announcement, Instagram Maps aims to provide a “ content to help you, you and your friends, to connect with the world around you ”, be it stories of a live music concert or to find a trendy haungage place. The company has said that the new feature is “opt-in” only and seems to be deactivated by default, but users are still far from satisfied.
A new way to connect or an invasion of privacy?
If it is obvious that it is another attempt to exceed Snapchat as the main messaging service for young users, this did not work well in favor of Instagram. The main concern is the increased risk for user safety, especially with regard to harassment.
Reddit was a hot spot for people to evacuate their anger (see below), with a user publishing “I wonder how many murders will help”.
Instagram has started a new card feature that shows your location to others. And Internet users are furious with R / Technology
But how is this different from the Snap cards, ask yourself? Well, the main distinction that people make is that Snapchat is a more personal application, and Instagram is not.
In the case of Snapchat, the process of adding friends is more discreet, as you need to enter specific user names to add people, most of them. Although there is the “Find Friends” feature and a search bar, your request must always be approved by another user before you start sending you a message.
Regarding Instagram, having a private account means that you can choose who follows you, but those who have a public account can be followed by anyone. The search function also facilitates the search for people and displays the full account of a user if it is public, which Snapchat does not do.
How to make sure that Instagram cards are disabled
Whether you are an iOS or Android user, there is a way to make sure that your location is hidden from the new Instagram Maps feature. As mentioned, the functionality is opt-in and is deactivated by default, but here is how you can make sure that it is completely disabled.
Open the Instagram application and access the Messages tab, where you will find the card at the top of your reception box. Press it, then select the settings icon at the top right, which will present different location sharing options. You will want to select the one marked “person”, then press the update button to save.
