In this blog post, we’ll examine the principles and applications of GPS technology—which makes our lives more convenient—as well as the issues it raises.
Modern Society and the Everyday Use of GPS
In modern society, the convenience of daily life has greatly increased as various cutting-edge technologies—such as cars, cell phones, TVs, computers, and robots—have permeated every aspect of our lives. Among these, GPS is one of the technologies that particularly simplifies our daily lives. Whether finding our way in an unfamiliar place, confirming a meeting spot with a friend, getting lost at night, or requesting help in an emergency, GPS provides significant assistance in many situations.
As such, GPS—which makes our lives more convenient—clearly offers great benefits. However, we cannot simply view the issues hidden behind this convenience in a purely positive light. We need to take a closer look at how GPS works, where it is used, and what risks it entails.
Definition and Operating Principles of GPS
GPS stands for Global Positioning System. It is an all-weather positioning system capable of calculating the three-dimensional location of stationary or moving objects anywhere on Earth by receiving signals transmitted by satellites.
The position of a satellite can be determined through the radio waves it transmits, and the distance (i.e., position) between the satellite and the user is calculated by measuring the time delay of the satellite signal. Basically, with three satellites, two-dimensional coordinates can be calculated, and with four or more, a three-dimensional position—including latitude, longitude, and altitude—can be determined. The more satellites there are, the more accurate the position calculation becomes.
Applications of GPS
GPS was originally developed for military purposes and is still widely used today by military personnel, as well as in military vehicles, aircraft, and ships, for positioning. In the civilian sector, it has become widespread through car navigation systems and location features on cell phones, making it easy to check one’s location anywhere. Point search functions that help users find detailed information on nearby locations—such as restaurants, bus stops, banks, and pharmacies—are also familiar examples of its use.
Risks of Privacy Invasion and Surveillance
However, GPS can also become a tool for invading privacy. Given the system’s structure—which requires registering personal information for location tracking or results in continuous exposure of location data—there is always a risk of personal information leaks. The convenience provided by GPS can mean, for some people, that their location is “always exposed.”
While location tracking systems are useful tools for finding criminals or solving cases, problems arise when these capabilities are extended to the general public. Ordinary citizens may feel anxious that they could be under surveillance at any moment, whether voluntarily or involuntarily. One student remarked, “In a society where freedom is guaranteed, having to live with the feeling of being monitored because of a single small device is putting the cart before the horse”—a concern that brings to mind the “Big Brother” of fiction. The fact that misuse of GPS could escalate beyond a violation of personal information to a human rights issue cannot be taken lightly.
Issues of Effectiveness and Economic Burden
The effectiveness of GPS also warrants reexamination. For example, there have been actual cases where a convicted felon wearing a device capable of 24-hour location tracking—such as an electronic ankle monitor—committed a crime. Such cases demonstrate the limitations of location-tracking devices alone in preventing or immediately stopping crimes. We cannot assume that simply because GPS is built into cell phones, serious crimes such as kidnapping or murder will automatically be prevented.
Another issue is the economic burden. As smartphones equipped with GPS functions become ubiquitous, people who do not want them are effectively forced to purchase devices that include location-tracking features. Globally, there are already hundreds of millions of smartphone users, and tens of millions of people in Korea also use smartphones. While many people use GPS for its convenience, we must also recognize that this large user base is exposed to risks of privacy infringement and additional costs.
A Balanced Approach and Alternatives
I am not opposed to GPS technology itself. GPS is indeed a useful tool that makes our lives more convenient and helps ensure our safety. However, I want to emphasize that GPS is not a panacea. Instead of blindly trusting technology, we must recognize its limitations and side effects and develop complementary measures.
For example, there have been cases where a crisis was averted not by GPS, but simply through a single text message from the victim or a swift police response. This suggests that, rather than relying solely on technological devices, we should focus more on fundamental solutions such as the responsiveness of reporting systems, proactive police intervention, and strengthening community safety nets. Ultimately, while acknowledging the benefits of GPS, we must also engage in social discourse and establish institutional mechanisms to address privacy protection, effectiveness, and cost issues.
Convenience and risk coexist like two sides of the same coin. To use GPS wisely, individuals, society, and the government must clearly define their respective roles and adopt a balanced approach that allows us to reap the benefits of technology while minimizing its side effects.
