In today’s hyper-connected world, our smartphones, smartwatches, and a plethora of other devices keep us constantly within reach of loved ones. Coupled with sophisticated location-sharing apps, our whereabouts can be known at any given moment. While many view this as a sign of trust and closeness in relationships, the lines can blur, leading to concerns about tech-based coercive control.
The Motivations Behind Location Sharing
According to Dr Clare Rosoman, a clinical psychologist and director at the Brisbane Centre for Attachment and Relationships, sharing location data in intimate partnerships often stems from a desire for safety and reduced anxiety. “It’s about knowing where the other person is to reduce anxiety,” she explains. However, she stresses that this must be a mutual agreement that enhances a feeling of safety and connection. “If that’s the only way you feel safe and connected, then that’s a problem, because that creates an insecure coping strategy in the relationship.”
How Prevalent is Location Sharing?
The practice of location sharing is more common than one might think. The eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, notes that over 10% of adults believe it’s reasonable to track a partner using such apps. While she acknowledges that many people engage in this consensually and with reasonable boundaries, her concern lies with “the expectation that a partner should be able to monitor someone’s movements in microscopic detail whenever they want.”
María Atiénzar Prieto, a PhD candidate at Griffith University’s School of Health Sciences and Social Work, is researching young people’s perceptions of digital coercive control. She states that location sharing in intimate relationships is “quite prevalent” and that the technology is rapidly becoming “very normalised.” She observes that while apps are used for various reasons, from convenience to personal safety, “Young women, but not young men, primarily engaged with this technology for safety purposes.”
When Does Location Sharing Become a Red Flag?
The crucial factor in determining whether location sharing is healthy or problematic lies in the purpose behind it. Dr Rosoman reiterates that it “shouldn’t feel forced, and people can openly turn it on and off.” The worry arises “when there’s an expectation in the relationship.” This can manifest as one partner feeling compelled to share their location to maintain peace or avoid conflict.
Ms Atiénzar Prieto highlights several warning signs. If stopping location sharing results in a negative reaction from your partner, it’s a potential red flag. Similarly, if your partner begins questioning you about why you visit certain places or why you deviate from your usual routes, this could indicate a level of control that is not indicative of genuine care.
Ms Inman Grant points out that abuse begins when location sharing “stops being voluntary and becomes something that’s expected or demanded.” She warns that “Location sharing becomes dangerous when it becomes part of a broader pattern of pressure, manipulation or control.” Support is available through domestic and family violence services if you find yourself in such a situation.
Protecting Yourself from Unwanted Location Tracking
One of the significant risks associated with location sharing is the vast amount of data being shared with both your partner and the app providers. Ms Atiénzar Prieto explains that this data reveals not just your current location but also paints a detailed picture of your daily life, including routines, frequented places, and social interactions.
To safeguard your privacy, she strongly recommends regularly reviewing your privacy settings and who has access to your location. “Apps don’t want us to disengage, and they don’t want us to stop sharing our data,” she notes. “But the first step is knowing exactly where in the app you can change the settings to stop sharing your location. And second, make it a habit to regularly review who has access and ask yourself if you are still comfortable with that.”
Ms Inman Grant advises setting strong boundaries, especially early in a relationship. If you choose to share personal digital information like location data, it’s essential to have a clear conversation about the reasons for sharing, how the data will be used, and when it will be deactivated.
It’s also vital to be aware that in our deeply integrated digital landscape, tracking can easily be disguised. Ms Inman Grant encourages individuals to trust their instincts. If you feel someone knows details about your movements or conversations that you haven’t shared, take that feeling seriously.
