Recent years have seen a dramatic increase in the use of social media networks, and with it, an increase in the amount of people sharing their location on these platforms. While there are some potential benefits to this, there are also a number of risks associated with sharing your location on social media.
From artists promoting upcoming releases and tours to sharing personal updates and engaging with their fans, it's easy to forget the potential dangers of oversharing. Artists are often admired and adored by the public and their creativity makes them a target for those with sinister intentions. Unfortunately, the recent tragic death of South African rapper Kiernan Jarryd Forbes alias AKA, who was shot and killed in Durban serves as a reminder why people should not reveal their real location on social media.
One of the main risks associated with sharing your location on social media is that it can be used to identify your home address. This is especially concerning if you are using a location-based service such as Foursquare or Facebook places. By sharing your location, you are essentially giving away your home address, making it easy for someone to find where you live.
Another risk associated with sharing your location on social media is that it can be used by criminals and even stalkers. By knowing your exact location at all times, they can easily track your movements and plan a course of action accordingly. This is especially dangerous if you are a frequent traveler or live in an area with high crime rate.
Hours before being shot, AKA had posted his location on his Instagram stories while talking about his upcoming album, Mass country which was set for release next month. While he may have posted his whereabouts knowing its harmless to entice his followers, he paid for it with his life as he may have also revealed his location to his assailants. This is a tragic reminder of the dangers of sharing one's location online and highlighted the need for caution when it comes to personal security.
Finally, sharing your location on social media can also put you at the risk of identity theft. If a hacker were to gain access to your account, they would be able to see your exact location and use it to find out more information about you, including your personal and financial information.
In conclusion, while it may seem harmless to share one's whereabouts on social media, it can be a dangerous practice, especially for public figures. Sharing your location on social media can have some potential benefits, but it also carries a number of risks. It is important to be aware of these risks and take steps to protect yourself, such as not sharing your exact location and using a secure password on your accounts.