- cross-posted to:
- technology@lemmy.world
- cross-posted to:
- technology@lemmy.world
Apparently I published this twice: https://sh.itjust.works/post/11856673
Apologies.
Original tootjin Spanish says: “OK, so I need some alternatives to Google Maps, because I just decided seconds ago to stop using it after I got proposed a trip with a completely unnecessary detour which adds two extra minutes just because it pass by a gasstationn that sponsors this trip.”
Shit like this feels like such a greed-fueled missed opportunity.
Like, I wouldn’t mind seeing “Sponsored” locations in Google Maps if it was only shown when I was searching for that thing (like, I search for gas stations near me, and it shows a sponsored option at the top), and if it came with a discount for me if I go there. I’d take a 2 minute detour to get a slight discount on my gas purchase, for instance. That’d actually make me care about seeing it. As it stands, Google is the only one benefitting, and it makes me actively not want to go there.
I feel like I would use it voluntarily if it put the sponsors in the “add a destination” menu. I tend to use Google maps for longer trips, and I try to add any stops on the way to my route so I don’t miss them - if I hit “add destination” and it offered, for example, Citgo stations, 7-11s, and Dunkin Donuts on my route, then I would probably get gas and snacks at sponsored locations almost every time.
As it is, though… Well, just having a Dunks on the way to the laundromat doesn’t make me want to stop in and buy a coffee. Driving by ten of them “randomly” on my way to another state isn’t going to make me any more likely to stop at one.