Twitter finally blotted out their location tagging, but is it really necessary? (Image via: TechCrunch)

Scarcely Used, Twitter to Omit Location Option

Alfonsus Adi Putra
Business & Industry
Internet & IT
Jun 19, 2019
2205
Yes, you read that right. Twitter is going to omit the option, due to the lack of enthusiasm from its users. According to its official support account, @TwitterSupport, Twitter is going to remove the option to tag your location on your 280 words tweet.

Nonetheless, that does not mean that you cannot tag your location anymore. Although you cannot do it on your tweet, you can always tag your current location through the Twitter camera option.

“Most people don't tag their precise location in Tweets, so we're removing this ability to simplify your Tweeting experience. You'll still be able to tag your precise location in Tweets through our updated camera. It's helpful when sharing on-the-ground moments.,” stated the official support of Twitter on their tweet. The announcement to remove the location option was made today.

Not to mention, you can always turn off the location setting on the “Privacy and safety” section. Thus, if your whereabouts to be unknown, then you should turn it off, since the updated Twitter camera still tells it whatsoever.

It seems like the decision received mixed feelings. Some people agreed with the decision, while some people are against it. Nonetheless, in the comment section, the majority of the people seem to nod their heads to the announcement.

“Exactly, what use is it for?” said a Twitter account @RnchodDasChancd. “Thanks for making Twitter feel safer!” tweeted @AmandaNicole487.

However, with the removal, there also comes a suggestion for change: the famous edit button. Twitter does not have the edit button to edit your tweet, to prevent any embarrassment. “Bring edit button as a replacement.,” tweeted @imparixit.

As alternatives, there is Foursquare, an long-existing app to share your location with your friends and colleagues.

Based on the reactions to the removal, it is evident that people treasure their privacy and safety the most. But, is the location option really that useless? Of course, not. Twitter claimed that the location setting proved useful in determining large scale demonstrations, for example, Wall Street Demonstration in 2011 and Brazil Vinegar Protest in 2013.

In addition, location setting, in spite of its vulnerability to criminal activities such as kidnapping and data mining, it also proved useful in helping authorities to determine the victim/masterminds’ locations. In 2018, RMIT Australia stated that through social media location, such as 250,000 check-ins on Foursquare from Brisbane, Australia, and New York, US, they could predict criminal activities

So, what do you think about the removal of location option? Is it useful? Or should they just let it be and add “Edit” option as well? You decide.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2019/06/18/twitter-will-remove-location-tagging-in-tweets-citing-lack-of-use/

Business , Technology , Internet , Twitter , Foursquare , Location , Privacy