Instagram Map New Features Sharing Location Complete Guide to Safe or Risk?

Indonesian nolimite – Instagram has just launched an innovative feature that directly triggers the conversation, the Instagram MAP, or also known as Friends Map. This feature allows users to share locations with their friends through interactive maps, creating a more in-depth and location-based social experience.

This feature is not just an ordinary location pointer. Instagram MAP also displays content that is relevant to the location, such as reels, stories, and notes uploaded by friends. In this way, Instagram tries to bridge the digital and physical world, making interactions feel more real.

However, the launch of this feature is not spared from controversy. Many people are worried that this feature has the potential to endanger user privacy if not used wisely. The main question: Does this feature really bring benefits or actually open a dangerous risk gap?

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Get to know more closely the Instagram map

Instagram MAP was launched globally on August 6, 2025. This feature is designed to change the way users are connected with friends based on their existence.

In the Direct Message (DM) menu, users can see the last location of their friends in the map. Different from static location tags in posts, Instagram MAP is more focused on the latest existence.

In addition, you can see the content made by friends in certain locations, for example stories from favorite cafes or notes written when they are somewhere. These content is temporary, only appearing on the map for 24 hours.

How to use Instagram Map?

• Activating and using this feature is very easy:
• Open the Instagram application, then enter the Messages (DM) tab.
• Tap the map icon at the top of the screen.
• When you first open, Instagram will ask for confirmation to share the location.
• Choose anyone who can see your location. Available options include:
• Friends: Only friends who follow each other.
• Close friends: List of your close friends.
• Selected friends: Choose manual anyone who can see the location.
• No One: To disable the location sharing feature.

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It is important to note, the location is not updated continuously (real-time nonstop). The map will only update the position when you open the application or return from the background. So, Instagram Map does not function as a full 24 hour tracker.

Complementary feature to maintain privacy: hidden places

Answering public concerns about privacy, Instagram introduces the Hidden Places feature. This feature allows you to hide private locations so as not to be seen on the map, such as home, office, or school. You can even adjust the radius of the area so that your existence is not exposed in detail.

With hidden places, you can still enjoy the excitement of sharing locations without having to worry about sensitive places known by others.

Why is this feature considered risky?

Although it looks fun, Instagram Map has drawn criticism for several reasons:

User Privacy: Some users report this feature automatically active without approval, causing the location of their home to be seen on the map.

Parent’s concern: Many parents are worried that this feature can endanger teenagers, because their location can be accessed by people who are not fully known.

Potential abuse: digital security experts warn this feature can be misused by irresponsible parties, such as online predators or perpetrators of violence.

How do you disable this feature?

If you feel uncomfortable, deactivate this feature is very simple:

• Enter DM> MAP> Settings (Gergical icons).
• Change the option to share the location to No One.
• Use the hidden places feature to hide sensitive locations, like your home.

Common questions about Instagram Map

Is Instagram Map Automatically Active?
Some users report this feature is active without clear notice, although Instagram should ask permission.

Is the location distributed in real-time?
No. The location is only updated when the application is being used.

How to make the location of my house invisible?
Use the hidden places feature to add a house to a list of hidden locations.

Is this feature safe for children?
This feature is relatively safe if the settings are closely monitored by parents, especially the privacy option.

Conclusion
The Instagram MAP location sharing feature offers an interesting new way to interact with friends, explore local content, and facilitate meetings in the real world.

However, behind its excitement, this feature still holds privacy risks that need to be watched out for. Therefore, it is important for users to be proactive in managing privacy settings, utilizing hidden places features, and always prioritizing security.

With a good understanding, Instagram MAP can be a pleasant tool to bring relationships closer, not vice versa.

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