The Use and Impact of Location-Sharing Social Media Among Youth: A Comparative Study of Japan and the U.K.
Objectives:
1. To explore the impact of location-sharing social media on the values and lifestyles of youth.
2. To investigate changes in privacy and surveillance attitudes influenced by these platforms.
Methodology:
Qualitative research was conducted through in-depth interviews in 2023-2024 with youth who use location-sharing social media in Japan and the U.K. The analysis draws on data from 21 participants. Audio transcripts were coded and analyzed for patterns and themes.
Findings:
Primary applications include Zenly, Whoo, BeReal in Japan, and SnapMap, Life360, WhatsApp in the U.K. While in both countries, location data is primarily shared with friends, followed by partners and family, mainly to coordinate meetups, distinct patterns were observed as follows:
Usage Patterns and Meaning:
Japan: Respondents often shared location data as a "symbol of trust" for consummatory purposes, such as exchanging location with partners to demonstrate intimacy or with members of social clubs to signify closeness and group solidarity.
The U.K.: Respondents emphasized safety reasons for sharing due to perceived lower urban safety.
Privacy Awareness:
Japan: Most respondents were unconcerned about companies collecting their location data.
The U.K.: Respondents exhibited higher privacy concerns, often avoiding constant app activation.
Conclusion:
The study identifies distinct patterns in the use and value of location-sharing social media between the two cities. Japanese youth primarily use these platforms to strengthen friendships, while in the U.K., young users focus more on personal safety. This suggests that Japanese youth may be more susceptible to intimacy exploitation through these platforms and potentially more adaptable to a surveillance society.