Also, Spot: Your Inner Circle introduces the “freeze” feature that lets you freeze your location “when you sneak out somewhere.” Though the stated intent is for kids to use when they want to "go off the grid," there are safety issues and implications of sneakiness that undermine any potential positives. Being able to talk about others anonymously only adds to this element. It starts by encouraging kids to gossip by passing "secret notes": The app store calls it “gossip that self-destructs." These text messages auto-delete once the recipient has read them, and it's no stretch to imagine kids using this feature to bad mouth or exclude each other. Still, parents concerned about kids' obsession with phones and friends aren't likely to enjoy its conspiratorial tone. Its presentation is colorful, attractive, whimsical-it even has an emoji-based mini-game. Though the functionality and appearance of this social media app is on-point, its features lend themselves to hurt feelings and dishonesty. Read the developer's privacy policy for details on how your (or your kids') information is collected, used, and shared and any choices you may have in the matter, and note that privacy policies and terms of service frequently change.
There's also a way to talk about others anonymously. Activities within the app are presented as a game, letting players unlock additional features by completing “Missions” such as creating maps and adding friends. Some emojis contain imagery of alcoholic beverages, and a suggested activity is “Go for a drink.” The app lets users add friends by opening the app and shaking phones near one another “pass notes” to one another (messages that auto-delete upon being read) and send each other texts, photos, videos, music chat (popular songs) and GIFs.
Although the app lets users set their device location settings to “Always, Never, or While Using App,” registration can't be completed unless users set it to “Always.” Custom maps reveal users' locations-not with specific coordinates, but within a city block. Registration requires a phone number (which must be verified) and the app requests access to your contacts. Parents need to know that Spot: Your Inner Circle is a social networking app that lets users share their activities and keep tabs on their friends via location tracking and custom maps.