If you have a smartphone, then there’s a very good chance that you not only have social media apps, but are quite reliant on them.
It can sometimes feel nearly impossible to live in today’s high-tech world and not be on social media. It’s the way many people keep up with what’s going on in the world and stay in touch with loved ones. However, that doesn’t mean it comes without its fair share of risks. There are numerous social media apps taking up more of your information than you may realize. We spoke with tech and cybersecurity pros about two social media apps you should delete if you value your privacy. Read more about them below.
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1. Dating Apps (Bumble, Tinder, More)
Given that we're living in a digital age, when it comes to dating, one of the most popular ways to meet people is through dating apps. From Bumble to Hinge, there is a wide variety of dating apps for different people and preferences. Aside from the safety risks that come with the people you meet on these apps, your data can also be put at stake.
"Dating apps update your GPS location every single time you open the app," explains cybersecurity pro Adam Pilton. "Tinder and Bumble display distance metrics like '2.3 miles away' to show how close matches are, which means the app is actively tracking and broadcasting your position."
2. Snapchat
Though it's come a long way over the years, there are numerous tech pros who have an issue with Snapchat and how it poses a risk to users. All of its new features, like the controversial Snap Map, have added more safety threats. So, if you don't use it that often, you might as well delete it.
"Snapchat's Snap Map feature is one of the most aggressive location trackers on any social platform," adds tech safety pro Chris Nyhuis. "While newer accounts and minors now default to 'Ghost Mode,' the app actively encourages users to opt in to location sharing, and many do without fully understanding what they're agreeing to. Once enabled, Snap Map can update your location for friends to see even when you're not actively using the app. That's not just a privacy concern, it's a personal safety risk that can reveal patterns like where you live, where you work, and where you go every Friday night."
