In GPS We Trust

In today’s world, technology is growing at an exponential pace. Year after year, even day after day, there are new and improved products and software that help to advance society and make everyday lives easier. The rate at which technology is growing is actually quite scary. It used to be so novel to have a color screen cell phone. Now, it is ubiquitous that cell phones have a color screen as well as a camera and email access. With the growing use of web cams, I find it unbelievable that individuals can see each other on video and converse from thousands of miles away. And the fact that my email has advertisements of terms that I recently Googled is crazy.

Currently, the latest trend in technology is Global Positioning System (GPS) devices. When most people hear the word GPS, they think of navigation technology in cars. However, this technology is no longer limited to helping individuals get from point A to point B and it is appearing in more and more consumer products. For example, the Aetrex GPS Shoes look like regular sneakers on the outside but contain GPS technology linked to a website for easy tracking and locating. The target segment for this product is elderly who suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s.  The shoes are marketed as a way for care takers and loved ones to keep track of a patient’s movements and ensure safety. Another common product is purchasing GPS software for cell phones. This software is favorable among parents with teenage children who want to know their child's whereabouts late at night to ensure safety and security.

This technology can be very beneficial for society if used in the right way. In some situations, it can be extremely violating. Using GPS trackers on cars without warrant or notice, breaches on people’s privacy. However, tracking someone’s vehicle that may be a drug dealer under warrant, shows how helpful this technology can be. Another area to look at in regards to GPS is the Internet. Personal information is exposed through Google searches as well as emails. This information is mainly used for businesses to enhance and provide more specific marketing. While some people find this controversial, I think this is helping to shape our society in many ways. First, it helps businesses earn profits through more effective advertising methods. And secondly, the information is used to provide users with a more customized and relevant experience.

As mentioned earlier, another trend is for parents to use GPS tracking devices on their teenagers cell phones and in their cars. Parents find security in knowing they have the ability to, at any moment, know the location of their child. Thinking back to when I was a teenager, I would definitely not want my parents to have any GPS technology on me. I think it takes away liberties and eliminates trust in a parent child relationship. However, the article Do You Know WhereYour Kids Are? GPS Tracking for Children, explains the best way to implement the technology with children and show it in a positive light. The article recommends emphasizing that the technology is being used for safety and suggests the parent make it evident that there is trust. As well, the article states the GPS should act like more of an emergency plan rather than something that is constantly being watched. One point I found very interesting in the article was the notion that GPS technology cannot replace parenting. Many parents buy this technology and think it makes them a better parent. However, it is important to not let technology take over and still have open communication with children.