Facebook Launches 'Nearby Friends' on iOS, Android
Source: Angela Moscaritolo

Facebook stalking is about to move to the next level.

The social network on Thursday started rolling out a new mobile feature called Nearby Friends, which, as its name suggests, will let you see if any of your friends are in the area. The feature is optional, so you don't have to worry about your location being broadcast without your permission. If you choose to turn it on, you'll occasionally be notified when your friends are in close proximity.

"For example, when you're headed to the movies, Nearby Friends will let you know if friends are nearby so you can see the movie together or meet up afterward," Facebook Product Manager Andrea Vaccari wrote in a blog post.

When you enable the feature, you can choose who will be able to see when you're nearby (either all your friends, close friends, or just a specific friend list). If you realize it's is a little too creepy after all, you can turn it off at any time.

Location sharing with Nearby Friends is a two-way street, meaning someone will only see that you're nearby if you share this information with them, and vice versa, Vaccari said. "You and your friends both have to turn on Nearby Friends and choose to share with each other to see when you're nearby," she explained.

The new feature can also help you easily share your exact location with friends, if you want. You can, for instance, share your particular location with a certain friend for a set period of time, like for the next hour. When you take advantage of this option, your friend will see exactly where you are on a map, so you can easily locate each other.

Facebook Nearby Friends

When you have Nearby Friends enabled, you'll also be able to keep tabs on your friends when they're traveling, as long as they're also using the feature and sharing with you. In that case, when you visit their profile, you'll see the city or neighborhood they're in.




"When you see a friend visiting a place you've been, it's the perfect opportunity to send a recommendation for a great restaurant," Vaccari said. "You can also make last-minute plans to meet up with a friend who happens to be in the same place you're headed to."

Facebook first started testing this option in June 2012, but quickly disappeared - reportedly after fielding a complaint from startup Friendthem, which offers a similar service.

Nearby Friends is currently rolling out to Android and iPhone users in the U.S., and should reach everyone over the next few weeks. For more, check out Facebook's Help Center article.