And just like that, Snapchat adds a feature that allows others on the platform to see your exact location. The latest update of Snapchat includes the introduction of Snap Map which is their real time location sharing feature. Every time a person posts a snap, it places it on the map at the exact location it was taken. (Since people post live, that means it reveals their location at that time.) And the update automatically installs with Snap Map enabled, so if you don’t know to turn it off, it will be active from the update forward.
The in app ad for the feature makes it look fun when you see a group of twenty-somethings searching for their friends on a evening out downtown. Check it out here…
Here is how to put Snap Map into ghost mode.
First, make sure that you have the most recent version of Snapchat. This feature is only present in the newest version of the app.
Next, open the app as if you are going to take a photo to post.
Using your finger and thumb, pinch the screen by bringing your finger and thumb together to reveal the map.
Click on the “Me” bar at the bottom and the settings screen will pop up.
You can then adjust the settings to your liking. You can select the friends option or ghost mode to completely hide your location. If your settings gear in the upper right corner shows a small ghost, you are in ghost mode and no one can see where you are.
Many parents don’t have Snapchat themselves (and with the way this was rolled out, even those who do have Snapchat may not be aware). Word of mouth seems to be the only way parents are finding out about this change so please take a moment and share this information with your friends – click one of the social share buttons on the left to share to your Facebook or Twitter. Or copy the URL and send this post via email. Just get the word out so parents can make educated decisions about this change and have a conversation with their kids about the dangers of location-based apps.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
I love that! All of my kids are on Snapchat, so I will be using this feature for sure.
Vera Sweeney says
We’re all on Snapchat, and my kids are always all over the place with their different schedules. I love this!
Bill Sweeney says
I love this update. All of my kids are on Snapchat. I might as well use this to keep track of them when they’re out and about.
Pam Wattenbarger says
I just saw this on Facebook yesterday! Thanks for letting us know about this, it could be bad in the wrong hands.
Melissa Chapman says
I think this is a great way to know where my daughter is. She is very good but when she gets with her friends this could be very helpful.
Sarah Bailey says
I had no idea about this until my other half who doesn’t really do social media was like do you have snap chat? Which I do but I don’t really use it. I couldn’t believe how accurate the map is, it put me next door and gave the door number! It’s shocking.
Sarah @ The Outside Family says
Good to know! I’m not on Snapchat (I’m a holdout…haha) but many of my friend’s kids are. I know my friends aren’t tech savvy enough to know this info on their own!
Jeanine says
Wow I had no idea. Thank you so much for sharing. This really isn’t an update I am liking at the moment. I may have to delete it from my kids phones.
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
Thanks so much for these tips! I will try these and will share these with my kids, too!
Theresa says
Thank you for this information. My kids are on Snapchat and I am going to have them disable this feature right now.
Annemarie LeBlanc says
There is a good and bad side of this. For parents with a teenager or young adult out with friends, this would be helpful. However, if someone is out to do something not good, this feature would not be that great.
Jocelyn @ Hip Mama's Place says
This is a very good guide for parents. I can’t believe an app would develop this kind of feature, it’s simply dangerous and it shouldn’t be automatically turned on.
Amanda Love says
It’s so nice that you shared this new update. I can’t believe that Snapchat came out with this feature, it’s definitely a red flag and parents should be advised especially since the kids are the ones using Snapchat.
Angela Milnes says
Wow. I had no idea about this glad that you share this post most of the kids now are using this app