Digital Solutions for Safety Concerns

While privacy has become a concern in a world of constant online presence and social media, younger generations value the option to share their location to resolve these issues. Downloads of the tracking app Life360 doubled between 2021 and 2023, and the app now has more than 77 million members; #findmyfriends is a popular tag on TikTok; and Snapchat allows for real-time user location tracking through its Snap Map. These are just a few of many examples.

Digital solutions such as location tracking are increasingly being considered to address the safety challenges faced by young people in our communities. However, these technologies come with significant risks, such as misuse by stalkers or other malicious individuals. On the other hand, the information coming from these apps, as well as data from open-source applications such as SafetiPin, can provide important inputs into planning processes and assessments of what younger people need, helping planners understand the "why" behind these trends. Planners must weigh the benefits and drawbacks of digital solutions carefully when devising real-world strategies.