I’ve been mulling over the possibilities of being omnipresent everywhere (at least online) and what value that could actually bring.
Google Latitude‘s Google Public Location Badge is one such service, which essentially lets you publish your location on your blog or website via any mobile device.
You can, of course, choose to show just the city or have your device do it automatically via detection, using GPS, Wi-Fi, or Cell Tower ID.
Obviously there are a number of security issues and privacy issues that are obvious to the normal user, especially if it’s being updated automatically.
But can letting the world know where you are all the time be of any practical value?
Taking it a bit further for us, is there any reason why the Church would need something like this?
It’s a nifty and novel idea, but I’m having a hard time thinking of uses for it.
Certainly it would be “neat” to see where the missionaries you’re supporting are, but it would be an obvious hazard and danger in areas where secrecy and silence keep them alive.
What are your thoughts?
Christina says
Mmm, maybe this is where I'm finally old school 'cause I don't see the need for it. It's just for fun…another marketing thing? Otherwise the risk for security and privacy are not worth it.
Can it track in live time? Like if someone is running a marathon you could track them online?
Terrell says
I'd like to be able to track my kids – but probably for the same reason they would not like me to track them.
human3rror says
yeah… that would be… hmm.
JPLosier says
For me, it's about accountability. I let my wife know where I am, anytime she wants to know. It gave her peace of mind when I was driving from Texas to Missouri and back one weekend, that she could see my progress. It also means that I'm not going anywhere that I shouldn't. I see it like CovenantEyes for me physically.
I don't know if I'd make my location public, though. Not that I'm doing anything wrong, but I don't want some random person to be able to walk up to me, guided by their phone, because they disliked this comment, for example. 🙂
human3rror says
interesting personal example. thanks for that. I didn't think of that one.
andydarnell says
Don't see the point. It will likely be used to personalize marketing messages to individuals. IE Digital Signage.
Minority Report, here we come… Doh, not minority Report… Total Recall? What is the movie?
human3rror says
but minority report was so cool…!
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