Instagram Map - the battle between connectivity and privacy

Instagram Map was created to blur the line between the virtual and real worlds, but instead of connecting people, it makes users worry about being tracked.

Instagram Map unintentionally creates a paradox of connectivity.

Instagram Map's ambition to build connectivity

Instagram has long been known as a social network of beautiful images and visual stories, and is now expanding its vision with an ambitious new feature: Instagram Map.

The feature allows users to see what’s happening around them through posts, stories, and tagged locations on a map. It’s essentially Meta’s attempt to make Instagram not just a place to store memories, but also a tool for discovery and connection with the real world .

However, behind that promising vision, Instagram Map is facing a difficult problem: fear of being tracked and violating users' privacy.

The ambition of Instagram Map is clear. In an increasingly digital world, instead of just scrolling through carefully curated images on a feed, users can open the map and instantly see which restaurants, cafes, or events are trending nearby.

This creates a fresh, more “local” interaction, helping Instagram cement its position as an indispensable platform in everyday life.

User Caution

The biggest concern for users when using Instagram Map is privacy. When the map is activated, the user's location, or at least the location of posts and stories tagged, will be publicly visible.

While Instagram has introduced options to control who can see your location, sharing this sensitive information can still be psychologically unsettling. Users can feel like they are being watched, monitored by friends, strangers, or even bad actors.

This fear is not unfounded. In some cases, revealing your location can lead to personal safety risks, even being tracked or stalked.

Author Thomas Germain in the article "Instagram's new 'Map' is a digital ghost town" reflected the ongoing rift between Meta and their users.

Right from the title, Germain uses the image of a "digital ghost town" to emphasize the surprising emptiness of Instagram Map. This is completely opposite to the original purpose that Meta put forth: "A new, light way to connect".

This contrast creates a paradox when over 170 million people have access, but only one person appears on the author's map. This shows a silent "strike" on the part of users. They accepted the invitation, but instead of joining, they chose to refuse outright. And according to the author, users no longer believe in Meta's promises of "connectivity".

The Instagram Map illustrates the dilemma facing social media platforms. To truly succeed, Instagram needs to find a delicate balance where its desire to “connect” doesn’t overshadow its users’ right to “safety.”

Location is one of the most sensitive types of data, and until Instagram can regain trust, Instagram Map will remain an ambitious idea without users.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/instagram-map-cuoc-chien-giua-ket-noi-va-quyen-rieng-tu-20250818205358777.htm