For many Gen Z adults, sharing their real-time location via Apple's Find My app has become a social norm, but experts warn it may be fueling anxiety. A recent study by Civic Science found that 65% of Gen Z adults use location sharing, with 16% sharing with at least five people. The app, which allows users to track friends and family on a digital map, is seen by some as a necessity of trust rather than a privacy breach.
Abby Katzap, a 21-year-old New Yorker, initially found the idea creepy but now shares her location with 30 people. She describes an internal conflict over when to stop. Similarly, Anna-Grace Bolen, 26, has used Find My for nine years and once had friends who would text her based on her location, leading her to turn it off at certain places. She has since narrowed her sharing list to 11 people.
Kim Rippy, a licensed professional counselor, notes that Gen Z often interprets location data with negative assumptions, causing unnecessary anxiety. 'The problem isn't the app, the problem is how users are interpreting what they're seeing,' she says. Despite this, many users, including the author, continue to use the app daily, checking it multiple times even when it causes hurt feelings.
Instagram has also launched a map feature for real-time location sharing, reflecting the growing trend. While some users feel exposed and watched, others see it as a way to stay connected and ensure safety. The challenge remains balancing convenience with mental well-being.
