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Like Guardian Angels: Continuous Location-Sharing and the Production of Safety Among US College Students
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Like Guardian Angels: Continuous Location-Sharing and the Production of Safety Among US College Students

Louise Barkhuus, John S. Seberger, Jorge P. Campos and Anouk Mols
Computer supported cooperative work, v 35(2), 7
25 Apr 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10606-026-09543-7
Featured in Collection :   Drexel's Newest Publications
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https://doi.org/10.1007/s10606-026-09543-7View
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Abstract

User Interfaces and Human Computer Interaction Computer Science Psychology Social Sciences
Apps like Life 360 and Apple’s Find My have made continuous map-based location-sharing common and convenient. Yet, knowledge of how location-sharing is used in day-to-day life remains limited – especially in relation to young adults. Through a combination of interviews with participants and the deployment of daily mini-questionnaires among college-aged users (i. e. 18-22, ) in the New York City area, we identify and present three salient aspects of location-sharing practices: (i) orchestration of social activities; (ii) management of social membership; and (iii) production of a “sense” of safety for oneself and others. Our findings point to new social norms emerging in relation to the proliferation of location-sharing apps among New York college students. We discuss such new norms through the lenses of self-disclosure, privacy, and trust-building. Our research scaffolds a more holistic understanding of location-sharing practices among a generation of digital natives and, in return, provides insights into future of designs of location-based technology.

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