Photo Mapping & Geotagging: Are You Aware that Your Pics Form a Location Map?

      The biggest danger people face when using new media is “photo mapping” and “geotagging;” in other words, the user’s location is attached to each post or photo unless the settings are changed.  Most people are aware of this location tagging when it comes to posting written posts or having the location on or off when messaging on Facebook, but most people are unaware that location information is also attached to pictures taken by cameras on cell phones.

            Geotags are inserted into the picture and are embedded data that become easily accessible on the Internet once a picture is posted (www.fishnetsecurity.com).  Once posted, important pieces of information also become available along with the image, like the date and time the photo was taken and the exact location (within a few feet) (www.fishnetsecurity.com).  As scary as this may be for anyone, it may be particularly disconcerting when children are involved.

            Instagram is a popular new media site where children and young adults use their real names and post pictures of themselves and their friends, totally unaware that Instagram creates a “photo map” that can show anyone their exact location through where each photo was taken.  It is important for parents and children to be aware of this, so they can turn the photo map off and avoid any potentially harmful situations.  With Instagram, parents can take it a step further in protecting their children by making their child’s account totally private.  In this way, the account can only be viewed by those whom their child is friends with, and anyone who follows their child needs to be approved prior to gaining access to their child’s pictures and posts.  Facebook is another new media site that also started using photo mapping when they updated the Timeline feature, creating a map of geotagged places.

            Furthermore, pictures that parents take while they are out with their children (for example, at the park) are also geotagged and can give criminals their location, daily patterns, or even inform others of when they are out of the home.  The only way to ensure this embedded information does not get posted with pictures on new media sites is to follow the directions of the cell phone’s manufacturer to turn that feature off (Apple, Samsung, Windows, etc.) since each “settings” is slightly different and requires specific steps (see “Links for popular cell phones in changing geotag settings” at the end of this post).

            The aforementioned concerns with geotagging, photo mapping, and new media may seem like precautionary tales; however, it has been proven extremely detrimental in the case of a few members of the United States military while on active duty.  In 2007, four United States Army helicopters were taken out by Iraqis after the US soldiers posted their pictures on the Internet (http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-17311702).  Staff Sargent Dale Sweetnam, the head of the Online and Social Media Division, stressed that soldiers need to think before they post and ask themselves “Who really needs to know this location information?” (http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-17311702).  For example, the Timeline feature on Facebook can further reveal the routes and patterns of soldiers to terrorists, hackers, etc. (http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-17311702).  A preventative measure that the British Army took against the dangers that geotagging and photo mapping create was to ban the use of all cell phones while in “operational zones” and warned soldiers about the dangers of taking pictures on smartphones in any situation (http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-17311702).

            Smart phones are getting smarter so to speak, with the continuing evolution of the Android systems and iOS.  New media is continuing to expand, with children gaining access to various sites at younger and younger ages.  Due to these reasons, I do not foresee a typical solution to this problem.  In other words, it is not going away any time soon.  So, the other alternative is to increase one’s awareness and to simplify the settings on phones and devices that track and tag through pictures and GPS.  For example, when someone purchases a new phone and starts to go through the motions of setting it up, informational boxes pop up to help lead the person through the setup of the new device.  I think that all phones should have an informational box that pops up when a photo is taken, making them aware that location information is on and giving them the option to disable it from the beginning.  Personally, I have a Samsung Galaxy 4 and this text box popped up the very first time I took a picture.  It stated that the location where I took the picture along with the weather for that day will be embedded with the photo and that I can choose to disable this feature now (if I ever change my mind, it explained that I can go into “settings” to enable the location for my pictures); however, I know that not all phones make it this simple.  Or, some people may not fully realize what this means and unwittingly enable the location to be transmitted through every single picture they take.

            I have included a few links to help people locate this setting in their phone and to disable it.  Having peace of mind and protecting your children and your loved ones are a lot more important than announcing to the world your exact location.  In this day and age, being aware of photo mapping, geotagging, and how new media sites enable the GPS on your phone to determine your exact location are things that should not be taken for granted.  It is better to be proactive before something frightening or horrible happens.

            Links for Popular Cell Phones in Changing Geotag Settings:

http://gcn.com/articles/2012/12/10/how-to-disable-smart-phone-geotagging-feature.aspx

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjSoawiupE0                       

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXPX-5Y8V0E

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZiuXXGYMvg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dngFdFEskiI

The above links include instructions for various models of the iPhone, iPod, Blackberry, Android, and Samsung.

Sources used in the writing of this post:

http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-17311702. US Army: Geotagged Facebook posts put soldiers’ lives at risk. March 9, 2012. Web. Accessed April 20, 2014.

https://www.fishnetsecurity.com/6labs/blog/what-geo-tagging-securing-yourself-your-family-and-your-assets. What is geo-tagging? Securing yourself, your family and your assets. Web. Accessed April 20, 2014.

http://gcn.com/articles/2012/12/10/how-to-disable-smart-phone-geotagging-feature.aspx. How to disable geotagging feature on smart phone. Web. Accessed April 20, 2014.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjSoawiupE0.How to disable geotagging from your iPhone's pictures. Video. Accessed April 21, 2014.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXPX-5Y8V0E. Geotagging settings for Androids. Video. Accessed April 21, 2014.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZiuXXGYMvg. Disable geotagging on iPhone. Video. Accessed April 21, 2014.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dngFdFEskiI. How to turn of geotagging. Video. Accessed April 21, 2014.

Digg.who?

       Within the realm of the “smaller potatoes” of new new media, I think that digg.com is the most superfluous and expendable site.  When digg.com was purchased for a measly $500,000 in July 2012 by Betaworks (en.wikipedia.org), it should have ended right there, instead of being revamped into the useless site it is today.

            I cannot say that I was an avid digg.com user, nor can I say that I was even aware of this site prior to taking this New Media class.  This can lend to my opinion that the site’s power and notoriety was already on the decline, dwarfing in comparison to better known news sites like reddit.com and whichever e-mail server you use (Yahoo news, Bing, etc.).  I can say that when turning to a particular site that is supposed to deliver various types of news (headlines, trending, sports, entertainment, and local), I am looking to read those news stories separate from social media sites.  In my mind, there is a difference between a site I turn to read and/or discuss the news and social media sites like Facebook.

            After digg.com was made over and re-released in 2012, it had a totally new look (www.forbes.com).  The concept of delivering the news was the same and the web address was the same, but that is where the similarities ended (en.wikipedia.org).  To sign into digg.com, the user now has to link a Facebook, Google+, or Twitter account in order to gain access (www.digg.com).  For some this may be a hassle, especially if you are just looking to catch up on some quick, trending news articles, and do not wish to be tracked through one of your social media accounts, or maybe you are one of the few who does not have an account with any of these social media behemoths (www.wowbored.com).  Furthermore, if you are into linking your social networking sites with other media sites such as digg.com-like news sites, then reddit.com would be more of a one stop shop since it combines the functionality of social networking with group discussions and commenting that are easily accessible without having to link a pre-existing social media account.

            If you type into Google search “why digg.com sucks,” you will get pages and pages of reasons, mostly written by people who were once hardcore digg.com users.  Digg.com’s fan based dwindled even before it was sold for what is considered peanuts in the digital world of computers and applications, and putting lipstick on a pig (so to speak) was not going to win them back (www.forbes.com). 

Just like death is a fact of life and Darwin’s “survival of the fittest” prevails, so it is in the world of new new media.  As technology advances at ever increasing speeds and the needs and wants of the masses change, so will their desires for particular types of media and Internet sites.  Instead of attempting to come back from the dead, digg.com needs to just accept their inevitable fate at the bottom of the new new media food chain.

The sources used in the writing of this blog post include:
digg.com (front page and sign in page). Web. Accessed Apr 7, 2014.
en.wikipedia.org. Digg. Web. Accessed Apr 7, 2014.
Tassi, Paul. Facebook didn't kill digg, reddit did. July 13, 2012. Web. <www.forbes.com> Accessed Apr 7, 2014.
wowbored.com. Digg still sucks. Web. Accessed Apr 7, 2014.

Blog Project

Based on Alexa’s global traffic rank, ebizma.com has ranked Facebook as one of the top social networking sites as of April 1, 2014.  For this reason, I will focus on this source of new new media for the focus of this blog.

            As with anything concerning putting personal data on the internet, a person should always proceed with caution.  Facebook is particularly fickle, considering that the majority of young users aim for quantity than quality (who can gather the most “friends,” rather than basing their fb friends on those who they actually know).  Statistics gathered by Digital Marketing Ramblings has estimated that the number of fb friends garnered by teens is 300 (www.expandedramblings.com).  With that being said, I will delve into the top ten things that I believe that anyone using Facebook should be aware of.

The dangers of taking “selfies” tops the list: Taking pictures of yourself (aka "selfies") is a popular trend on new new media, as can be seen throughout the many photos of Facebook accounts (including a lot of profiles).  Selfies allows the user to control the angle, lighting, and expression, thus leading often to taking upwards of 10 and 20 photos in order to arrive at that one perceptually pleasing pic.

The bathroom mirror (home and public) rates as one of the best places to take a photo of one's self, which is definitely a lot safer than some places notorious selfie-takers use (www.buzzfeed.com).

If you use Facebook, you need to be aware of the importance of responsible selfie taking.  I am sure all of your friends want to see how cute you manage to look while working it out on the stair climber at Planet Fitness, or see your awesome outfit as you prepare for your 5k (turned half marathon by the time it hits that Facebook post), but snapping these photos while in action may come at a cost.  While being so focused on that perfect pucker as you gaze softly into your phone's camera, you lose the ability to pay attention to your surroundings and may end up running into a tree or falling right off the treadmill.  One thing that is worse than snapping pics while in action is taking photos while driving.  The trend of snapping one's own pic while driving should be avoided all together.  AAA mid-Atlantic reported this dangerous trend of taking pics and even videos while driving, stating that not only is that person's life at stake, but every life around them whether it is passengers in the car or other drivers and pedestrians (www.baltimore.cbslocal.com).

A second point to be aware of when using Facebook is the dangers of downloading the Facebook shortcut apps on your phone and computer.  Having this shortcut available from the main screen of your phone allows quick and immediate access to Facebook.  Once installed, you have the option to install Facebook widgets to grant faster access to the fb tools you use the most (like new post and/or new picture).  Warning: this may be highly addictive and incredibly distracting.  Checking the time on your phone can lead to an hour long foray into Facebook world that started with a little notification on the fb app, signaling new fb activity.  50 status "likes," 10 comments, 4 suggested links and 2 sponsored links later, at least an hour has passed with your text books still closed on your desk, a dinner that is now cold, or an angry customer that is silently steaming on the other side of the counter (www.statisticbrain.com).

Thirdly, I do not advise anyone to respond to posts that pop up on your newsfeed while angry or drunk (especially if you are an angry drunk).  If you are commenting on a post, there is a good chance that the other person is someone you actually know.  Angry and/or drunk posts WILL offend, will most likely lend to a public display that quickly devolves to name calling and character assassination, and will end with you against upwards of three people who have jumped in to defend the initial poster, as well as an "unfriend"ing.  Once the words have been exchanged and you have thoroughly made a fool of yourself despite your attempt to use three and four syllable words to one-up the war you started, the other person wittingly "unfriends" you with a possible "block" to end the ridiculousness you began.  If you have a conscience, the next day you will wonder why you even bothered to send that initial comment to begin with.  It is best to not even go there!

People put words out into digital space via social media and Facebook without considering the implications and ramifications all of the time.  No need to jump on that band wagon, especially if you are fueled by alcohol (www.buzzfeed.com).

Yet another thing to aware of when using Facebook is how annoying it is when a person over uses "LOL" and "BWAHAHAHA," as in the expression of laughter (www.litreactor.com).  There is no need to begin and end your post with this.  Once gets the message through and yes, you are on the only one who finds it funny.  Unless I was there, and most likely I was not.

A lot of people love delving into the personal lives of the rich and famous.  They want to see what their houses look like, know what they wore to the gym, and what they ate for breakfast; however, you are NOT famous and no one wants a detailed account of your daily itinerary!  This leads to the fifth point you need to be aware of when using fb: be aware of what you are posting and where- maybe you need to keep your fb shortcut separate from your diary app!  Keeping them separate should help to minimize posting every mundane detail from the time you woke up until you had baked chicken with angel hair pasta that your husband cooked for dinner and watched American Hustle before changing into your pjs, and getting into bed.

Facebook gives people the option of announcing to the world if he or she is single, in a relationship, married, etc. Some devoted Facebookers like to take it a step further and post intimate photos of them in passionate embraces as they kiss their significant other. Going further, the picture may be accompanied by mushy banter, as the love struck duo profess their deep love for the other (www.yourtango.com).  Moral of the story: be aware of boundaries and a little acronym called "TMI." Most people do not wish to be enlightened as to your amazingly perfect romance, especially when it was Joe one month, Jason the next, & so on.

The jury is still out on number seven: posting gym statuses and food pics on a daily basis. Some people devote their status to berating the legions of people who want everyone to know that they are at Planet Fitness (again) with the aid of the location feature via the GPS on one's phone (www.living.msn.com).  Pictures of amateur chef creations seem to be the icing on the cake (www.living.msn.com).  I propose that when using Facebook, be aware of your audience and your circle of friends.  If they are like-minded individuals, then have at it.  If your list of friends is long and diverse, focused on quantity not quality, then there are groups/pages for that.

Facebook contains groups started by various people based on different interests, from nutrition and exercise to cosplay (the practice of dressing up as a Japanese character from a cartoon, movie, etc.) and witchcraft.  A group  for exercise and nutrition can provide the support, accountability, and a forum in which to post gym statuses and food pictures without angry retaliation from those "friends" who are not supportive and do not understand.

Please be advised that once you post something to fb, there is no taking it back.  Considering this, you might want to think twice before hitting the "post" button (and check your spelling too).  Sure, you can edit a comment, but then it is labeled "edited" and everyone will know that you changed it in some way (unless that does not bother you).  Yes, you can delete posts, but the words appear within the digital realm within milliseconds (www.enwikipedia.org).  Another Facebooker can view your words, save the link, forward it, or take a screenshot within seconds- all between the time you posted and deleted.  So, you might think it is gone, but the words or picture can still be available as a copy (www.en.wikipedia.org).  Even if it was not copied, it still could have been viewed by someone and left a negative impression.  So for tip number eight, I would definitely be aware of what and when you post, and to be aware of spontaneous posting without much of a thought process being involved.

If you are in college or are combing the job market in the hopes of landing employment, I would be aware of what kinds of social activities you post on fb.  Here is a prime example of what I am talking about: a 22 year old female college student is majoring in substance abuse counseling.  She posts about her classes and how she cannot believe that she is one semester closer to being a drug and alcohol counselor.  In the meantime, she posts drunken pictures and comments on Friday and/or Saturday nights and makes it a point to go out to get wasted every weekend with her friends and "pick up" male bartenders.  A person using Facebook should definitely be aware of how a situation like this could possible affect future employment, especially after putting in all of the effort into earning that degree.  What may be worse is the possibility of losing your job due to a thoughtless, spontaneous Facebook post (www.businessinsider.com).

Last but not least, if you use Facebook you should avoid posting political comments, unless you are a politician and have some idea of what you are talking about.  Seriously, everyone’s political opinions vary and it contains hot button issues that can potentially light fires even when it was not intended (www.living.msn.com).  If you wish to voice your opinion on these matters, there are more appropriate forums in which to share (www.living.msn.com). 

Whenever a person ventures out into the digital realm, whether it is via a social network or some type of new media, a certain etiquette and awareness needs to follow in order for it to remain a pleasant experience.  These ten tips in which to be cognizant of when logging into your Facebook account are merely a slight taste of the plethora of obstacles and issues that one can run into; however, following these will definitely mitigate the damages and help you to maintain the friends you have and not make any frienemies.

The following sources were used in the writing of this blog:

Ebizma.com/articles/social-networking-websites. Based on Alexa Global Traffic Rank. Apr. 1, 2014.  Accessed March 30, 2014.

en.wikipedia.org. Internet.Web. March 31, 2014.

Expandedramblings.com. DMR Digital Marketing Ramblings. Number of friends teens have on Facebook. Web. March 30, 2014.

Statisticbrain.com/social-networking-statistics. Jan.1, 2014. Social networking statistics. Web. March 31, 2014.

Hart, Rob. Litreactor.com. Top 10 words that need to die, immediately. Feb. 24, ’12. Web. March 31, 2014.

 Lewis, Luke. Buzzfeed.com. 24 things you only do when you’re drunk. You booze, you lose. Oct. 24, ’13. Web. March 30, 2014.

Living.msn.com. Inspired Life. 20 things your friends wish you’d stop posting on Facebook. Web. March 31, 2014.

Love, Dylan. Businessinsider.com. 17 people who were fired for  using Facebook. May 11, ’11. Web. April 1, 2014.