Has Social Media Gone Too Far with Location Sharing?

Snapchat has recently come out with an update that automatically shares your location to your entire list of friends. It is only once you go into your settings and set your profile to “ghost mode” that you are hidden from being seen. Many are concerned that this feature could be potentially dangerous due to over sharing.

This update takes creepy to a whole new level. It will even show your “bitmoji” or your avatar in the car if you’re driving, or with headphones if you are listening to music off of your phone. It also includes street names on the map and locates you in the specific area of whatever building you may be in.

Updates on various apps including location settings and features such as check-ins call for a constant reminder to always be selective and smart about how much information you put out there about yourself. Many people of all ages are guilty of over sharing information on various platforms or social media.

Although Snapchat’s new location feature only allows Snapchat friends to see your whereabouts, it’s always smart to be aware of who you are adding as friends, and that if you choose to keep this feature turned on that all of those people can watch where you go at the swipe of a finger!

If you don’t like being watched but are unaware of how to turn this location feature off, follow these quick instructions!

           

1.     Open up the Snapchat app

2.     Use 2 fingers in a pinching motion to swipe open the map

3.     Tap the bar next to “Ghost Mode” to turn it on

Lastly, if you want to customize which friends can see your location with this feature, you can go into settings and handpick the 

Written by Meagan Catalfmao of Rebecca Adele PR & Events

Alfred Angelo Bridal Causes PR Disaster

This past month Alfred Angelo Bridal has caused quite the uproar with the closing of their stores nationwide. The company closed their doors after nearly 80 years in business with no warnings to their employees or brides-to-be. Many brides were left without word of where their dress was, whether it was going to be located, or whether they would be able to obtain a refund. Some were lucky enough to obtain their dresses right before the company closed the doors.

One can only image what a mess this has made for the company’s publicists. As someone in PR I think there are many ways that this situation could have been avoided. With the knowledge that they were going out of business Alfred Angelo Bridal should have informed employees and brides that their stores were closing. This would have given employees enough time to find new work and more time for brides to either get their refund or get their dress faster. Their publicists would have had an easier time doing damage control had they taken that route instead of keeping everyone in the dark.

So why did Alfred Angelo not make it known that they were going out of business? Probably because they were embarrassed to announce that they were filing for bankruptcy and because chances are they didn’t and still don’t have the money to give brides refunds. Hopefully, brides are able to get their dresses sorted out in time for their big day!

Written by Tiffany Jackson from Rebecca Adele PR & Events