Instagram is developing a new feature that may encourage users to spend more time on the app. However, the function may seem familiar, as it bears a resemblance to Snapchat's Snap Map.
Instagram's Friend Map
Soon enough, Instagram users will be able to see where their friends are on an in-app map. A spokesperson for the platform has confirmed the new feature, and it will be called Friend Map once it is released.
Similar to Snap Map, users will be able to see their friends' locations in real-time. Of course, users will have the option to hide their locations or select followers who will be able to see them for security and privacy purposes.
Alessandro Paluzzi, a reverse engineer known for revealing app features before they launch, posted the new feature's developing function on Threads. The options in terms of sharing location can be limited to followers, Close Friends, or completely hidden.
There's even a Ghost Mode that will also omit the last active location of the user, as reported by Tech Crunch.
Aside from locations, users can add notes or short messages that will appear on their location, just above their profile picture.
This can be used to provide further information as to why they are in a certain location, such as trying out a new restaurant or shopping for certain items. Based on Paluzzi's post, the location is end-to-end encrypted, making the feature secure from bad actors.
Not only is this a way to tell the users' friends and family where they are, but it also encourages the latter to go to places that the users have discovered. TikTok and Instagram are becoming popular sites when it comes to searching for new places to try and visit, after all.
This woouldn't be the first Snapchat-inspired feature coming to Instagram. Before Instagram Stories were a thing, Snapchat was the go-to app for short-form videos that serve as updates from friends and family. The photo-centric app added the same feature back in 2016.
Minors, Teens Security on Instagram
While the feature seems harmless enough as it is similar to Snapchat's Snap Map, it's important to note that Instagram has an entirely different culture that could serve as a dangerous platform for a feature that reveals one's location.
There have been complaints regarding minors and teenagers on Instagram being sexually harassed. Simply forgetting to hide one's location from certain followers could prove to be risky. It's quite likely that developers will put up protections to keep teenagers on the platform safe.
Currently, Instagram has measures in place to hide certain types of content from teenage and underage users, which applies to Facebook users as well. Minors are automatically placed in the most restrictive content control settings.
The restrictions are applied to Search, Feeds and Stories, even if the content is shared by someone they follow. The setting Sensitive Content Control will regulate the potentially sensitive content that may appear in Explore as well.
