Let us be honest, nowadays smartphones are practically glued to our palms and location tracking services now are second nature. Whether you are trying to track phone number free of charge to find a location of your dearest ones for their safety, looking for the fastest route to your favorite café or using a fitness app to log your morning run, GPS and location services are everywhere. But as the old saying goes, “Not all that glitters is gold.” With the convenience of location tracking comes an often-overlooked cost—your mental well-being.
Imagine living in a house with all windows and no curtains. You’re inside, but the world can see in. That’s what it can feel like when your location is constantly being tracked. Knowing you’re being watched, even passively, can stir up feelings of anxiety, stress, and sometimes paranoia. But just as every cloud has a silver lining, you have the power to shield yourself from the psychological pitfalls of location tracking. All you need is to follow some rules and set up thoughtful boundaries. Just follow our tips below to successfully deal with it.
Tip 1. Take Control of Your Location Settings
You wouldn't leave your front door wide open for anyone to stroll in, right? The same principle applies to your digital footprint. Of course, some apps like Google Maps and Uber thrive on knowing your location, but others may not have a valid reason to access it.
So to regain some privacy and peace of mind, make it a habit to turn off location services when they aren’t actively needed. For iPhone users, go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services. For Android users, go to Settings > Location and toggle off any apps that don’t need constant tracking.
Then you may review your app permissions (this can be found under “Privacy” or “Location Services.”), limit their access by choosing location permission to “While Using the App” or “Never” for apps that don’t require constant tracking. For example, a weather app might only need access when you’re checking the forecast, not all day long.
You should also think about the “Exact Location” settings on apps like Instagram or Facebook. You can allow them to access only your approximate location. It's not as creepy and protects your privacy, but still provides basic functionality.
The benefit: Due to controlling which apps can track your location, you reduce unnecessary data collection and regain a sense of control to alleviate stress and anxiety.
Tip 2. The Fine Print: Know What You're Agreeing To
It’s easy to accept permissions without a second thought, but these sneaky agreements often open the door to excessive tracking. Most apps and websites track your location data to improve their services—but at what cost?
As we mentioned earlier, do not neglect by reviewing app permissions. Make it a monthly routine to comb through your app list and audit the permissions you’ve granted. Do all your food delivery or banking apps really need your exact location? If not, revoke those permissions.
The second important thing is to read privacy policies. Okay, we know reading legalese is no one’s idea of a good time. But a quick review of the privacy policy can help you understand how your data is being used. For example, apps like DuckDuckGo or Norton Privacy Manager can simplify these policies and highlight key details.
The benefit: Being informed about how your location data is used can alleviate fears and help you feel more in control of your digital footprint, reducing anxiety.
Tip 3. Use VPNs to Cloak Your Digital Self
If location tracking feels like the sword of Damocles hanging over your head, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) might just be your saving knight. VPNs can help you reclaim control over your privacy due to encrypting your data and masking your IP address.
Why use a VPN? It hides your real location and reroutes your internet connection through servers in different countries to make it harder for advertisers, hackers, or even your ISP to track your activity.
But look only for reputable services like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark that are known for their strong privacy policies and no-logs promises. Beware of free VPNs—they can be a wolf in sheep's clothing, sometimes collecting more data than they protect.
The benefit: When you know your data is protected and your location is hidden, you feel a greater sense of control over your privacy and gain the overall sense of security in the digital world.
Tip 4. Beware the Ad Stalker: Disable Personalized Ads
If you've ever been looking for a new pair of shoes and ads have been following you around for weeks, then you've already met an ad stalker. These personalized ads are designed to follow your digital footprint to offer you products and services based on your previous locations. And although these ads may seem harmless, their constant presence can be unnerving, reinforcing the feeling that someone is constantly watching you.
To break free from the ad-stalker’s grasp you need to do the following:
Disable ad personalization on Google by going to your Google Account > Data & Personalization > Ad Personalization.
On Facebook, go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Ads > Ad Settings, and adjust the data that advertisers can access.
Check your iPhone’s ad settings by navigating to Privacy > Apple Advertising and toggling off personalized ads.
The benefit: When ads stop following your every move online, it can create a sense of digital freedom and privacy, helping you feel less overwhelmed and more in control of your online experience.
Tip 5. Digital Detoxes: Recharge Your Mental Batteries
Your mental health isn’t something that should be on the backburner. It’s important to remember spending your time offline isn’t just beneficial, but it is a necessity. The pressure of constant connectivity can grind you down, especially when you feel like your every move is being recorded. So how to practice digital mindfulness and have a rest?
Consider scheduling tech-free hours where you shut down your devices, turn off notifications, and allow yourself to disconnect. Be it once a day or just for a few hours over the weekend, a digital detox can alleviate the subconscious tension of always being connected.
Try to spend time outdoors during these detoxes. It’s no surprise that spending time in nature can work wonders for your mental state. Nature doesn’t track your location—it’s the ultimate escape.
The benefit: Digital mindfulness allows you to reclaim your mental space, reduce the anxiety and sense of fatigue from constant connectivity and location tracking.
Your Mind, Your Control
Location tracking is the price we pay for modern convenience, but we don’t have to surrender our peace of mind. And due to taking simple, proactive steps (be it turning off unnecessary location services, using a VPN, or scheduling time offline) you can regain control over your digital presence and protect your mental well-being.
Nowadays, privacy is more than just a luxury; it’s a necessity for a sound mind. As the old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Protecting yourself from the invisible eyes of location tracking now can save you from the mental wear and tear down the road. Your data is a value, but so is your peace of mind. So take the reins and gain a long-awaited peace of mind.
