Love and GPS

 In Love, Relationships, Technology


A woman taking a picture of another person in the back seat.GPS – Global Positioning System is probably one of the most influential advances in readily available technology. The convenience of asking Siri turn-by-turn directions has become a simple norm in traveling. The use of a GPS system or app is so common; we really don’t give it much thought. However, have you given much thought to apps like Find Friends, Live 360, or indefinite sharing of location on iPhones?

For safety purposes, these are great little apps. They report live tracking of a person’s whereabouts. This is such a handy tool when a person is traveling, and they want their significant other to know where they are going. Also, it is a great way to clue in your bestie when you are meeting a potential online love interest for the first time. These are some great examples of the benefits of GPS location tracking.

GPS location tracking can often be misused in relationships. Reciprocal tracking for safety and convenience is perfectly appropriate in a healthy relationship. However, a problem exists in the relationship when a partner feels the need to spy on the other partner. There is an obvious issue of distrust that can be exacerbated by GPS location tracking. This can also be the beginnings of an obsessive, controlling relationship. The freedom to choose when and where you want to go can suddenly be taken away due to fear of angering your partner. If these elements are present in your relationship, it is time to re-evaluate the relationship.

Mutual trust and care is most important in any romantic relationship. The relationship is unhealthy when these two elements are not present, and some questions need to be asked. Did an action occur for a partner to lose trust in the other? Is reaction coming from unpacked emotional baggage from past relationships? Is the relationship worth the effort to rebuild trust? These are important questions that need to be asked of any relationship in trouble.

GPS location tracking can be a blessing or a curse. Which one do you choose?

Recommended Posts