Immensely helpful or spying? Do we really need to know where our loved ones are?

Man checking smartwatch and syncing smartwatch Credit: Yagi Studio/Getty Images

Psychologists warn that the use of tracking apps can normalise constant monitoring, which may start in families but spill into intimate partner relationships, potentially leading to controlling and coercive behaviours. But how do we know if tracking those we love is beneficial or problematic?

From family locator app Life360 to Find My iPhone and Find My Device, increasing numbers of us track the whereabouts of our children, our ageing parents, sometimes even our partner and our friends — 24 hours a day.
Research published by the eSafety Commissioner in May said almost one in five young adults age 18 to 24 now think it's reasonable to expect to track a romantic partner whenever they want.
Relationships Australia's Elisabeth Shaw says tracking with everyone's consent can be immensely useful.

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