Person holding a smartphone surrounded by location icons, cityscape background.

Unlock Location Sharing: How Apps Can Build Trust and Respect Your Privacy

Beau Callahan in Tech & Innovation September 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how apps use 'pull' and 'push' strategies, social proof, and what it means for your data privacy."

In today's app-driven world, our location data is a hot commodity. Apps use it to offer personalized experiences, from suggesting nearby restaurants to delivering real-time traffic updates. But with this convenience comes a significant concern: how much of our location information are we willing to share, and how can we trust apps to handle it responsibly?

The balance between personalization and privacy is a delicate one. While many users appreciate the tailored services that location data enables, they're also wary of potential misuse or overreach by app providers. This has led to a growing interest in understanding how app design can influence our willingness to share location information.

A recent study published in Electronic Markets explores this very issue, diving into the impact of different app design strategies on users' location sharing decisions. The research focuses on two key approaches: 'pull' versus 'push' information delivery and the use of 'social proof' cues. Let’s break down what these concepts mean and how they affect your privacy.

Pull vs. Push: What's the Difference and Why Does It Matter?

Person holding a smartphone surrounded by location icons, cityscape background.

Think about how different apps ask for your location data. Some apps, like navigation services, only request your location when you actively use them to search for directions or explore a map. This is a 'pull' approach – you, the user, are in control, initiating the data sharing. Other apps, however, might request constant access to your location in the background, promising to deliver personalized recommendations or track your fitness activities. This is a 'push' approach, where the app is always 'listening,' potentially collecting data even when you're not actively using it.

The study in Electronic Markets highlights that users generally feel more comfortable sharing their location with apps that use a pull approach. Why? Because it gives them a sense of control. They understand exactly when and why their data is being accessed, reducing feelings of uncertainty and potential privacy violations.

Pull Approach: User-initiated, data shared only when actively using the feature.
Push Approach: App-initiated, continuous data collection in the background.
User Perception: Pull approach fosters trust and reduces privacy concerns.

Imagine you're using a coupon app. With a 'pull' approach, the app would only ask for your location when you actively search for nearby deals. You're in control. With a 'push' approach, the app might constantly track your location to send you personalized coupons, even when you're just walking by stores. That always-on tracking can feel intrusive.

Staying Informed and Protecting Your Privacy

The research in Electronic Markets offers valuable insights for both app developers and users. By understanding how design choices impact user trust and privacy perceptions, developers can create more responsible and user-friendly apps. And as users, being aware of these strategies empowers us to make informed decisions about the apps we use and the data we share, ultimately reclaiming control over our digital footprint. Pay attention to how apps ask for your location data, look for social proof indicators, and always prioritize your comfort level with the information you're sharing. Your privacy is worth it!

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1007/s12525-018-0318-1, Alternate LINK

Title: How Pull Vs. Push Information Delivery And Social Proof Affect Information Disclosure In Location Based Services

Subject: Management of Technology and Innovation

Journal: Electronic Markets

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Johannes Klumpe, Oliver Francis Koch, Alexander Benlian

Published: 2018-11-15

Everything You Need To Know

What is the difference between the 'pull' and 'push' approaches to location data sharing?

The core difference lies in who initiates the data sharing. The 'pull' approach involves the user actively requesting location data, like when using a navigation app to find directions. The 'push' approach, however, involves the app continuously collecting your location data in the background, without you necessarily prompting it. This distinction is crucial because users generally feel more in control with the 'pull' method, leading to greater trust and reduced privacy concerns compared to the potentially intrusive nature of the 'push' method.

How does the 'pull' approach contribute to user trust in apps?

The 'pull' approach fosters trust by putting the user in control. When an app uses 'pull', it only accesses location data when the user actively requests a service, such as searching for nearby businesses or requesting directions. This transparency helps users understand when and why their data is being accessed, reducing uncertainty and minimizing the perception of potential privacy violations. The user knows exactly when the app is 'listening,' allowing them to make informed decisions about their data sharing.

What are the implications of 'push' approach in terms of user privacy and data sharing?

The 'push' approach, where apps continuously collect location data, can raise significant privacy concerns. Because the app is always 'listening' in the background, users may feel a loss of control over their data. This constant tracking can lead to feelings of intrusion and the potential for misuse of the collected information. It’s important to be aware of 'push' strategies to make informed decisions about which apps you use and how much data you share.

Why is understanding app design strategies important for maintaining privacy?

Understanding app design strategies, specifically the 'pull' versus 'push' approaches, is vital for maintaining your privacy. App design directly influences your willingness to share location information. Being aware of how apps request your location data empowers you to make informed choices, enabling you to select apps that prioritize user control and transparency. This awareness allows you to take control of your digital footprint and protect your personal information.

How can one protect their privacy when using apps that request location data?

To protect your privacy, focus on how apps request your location data. Prefer apps that use the 'pull' approach. Check app settings to understand data usage policies. Be mindful of the implications of continuous data collection by apps using the 'push' approach. Always prioritize your comfort level with the information you're sharing. By understanding the 'pull' versus 'push' strategies, you can make conscious choices that balance personalization with the security of your location data.