A “False” Sense of Security

I get asked about new “safety apps” that are coming on the scene, particularly when I address real estate groups and parent or college student groups, touting to send out your GPS position, notify loved ones that you are in a potentially dangerous situation, or even call the police.

Hey, GREAT IDEA! But understand that such smart phone apps are not like the current insurance commercials where you sing a little jingle and their representative immediately appears in front of you! Yet “that” seems to be the way many perceive these devices. I have seen it and heard it from people who approach me, even showing me the app on their phone, so excited that if they ever need help all they need to do is push a button. Riiiiight. Good luck with that!

You “assume” you’ll be able to access your phone, you “assume” the app will be open on your phone and ready to use, you “assume” that you see your attacker coming in-advance, you “assume” that your fight or flight hasn’t kicked in where you’re shaking like a leaf and you’ll have the presence of mind and fine tune motor skills to execute the app. That is a whole lot of “assuming”!

And even if everything works in a perfect situation, WHAT DO YOU DO while waiting for help to arrive? Remember, the police are not that insurance company rep that magically appears when you sing the jingle. And, just so we’re clear (disclaimer), that insurance agency rep doesn’t really magically appear when you sing the jingle either.

I am not against modern technology to enhance personal safety — not at all. I am just warning of a “false” sense of security that can come with such technology. Joseph Campbell once eloquently said, “Technology is not going to save us. Our computers, our tools, our machines are not enough. We have to rely on our intuition — our true being.” So by all means, USE what is available to you, just be prepared to handle the situation at-hand as well.

Jeff McKissack, Founder
TroubleSpotters.com