Google introduced a new feature to Google Maps on iPhone this week, only to remove it within 24 hours following user complaints.
The feature was designed to encourage users to be more active by displaying how many calories could be burned by walking to a chosen destination. Additionally, Google Maps put the calorie counts into perspective by converting them to mini cupcakes. For example, if a walk was going to burn 400 calories, Google Maps would indicate that this equates to burning almost 4 mini cupcakes.
Users who received this update felt as though it was shaming people into walking more, while potentially triggering those with eating disorders. Others argued that it sent a negative message about eating, implying that desserts can only be enjoyed if followed by the appropriate amount of exercise.
Making matters worse, there was no option to disable the feature. It was turned on by default and could not be turned off.
Google Maps’ calorie count feature was only released to select iPhone users as part of a limited test. However, the outrage it caused led to its removal in less than 24 hours.
The rollout of this feature might have had a warmer reception if Google had approached it differently. Many people generally don’t like to be reminded of calories, whether it’s about their consumption or how much they could be burning.
If Google Maps had made the feature optional from the start, it might have found an appreciative audience. Instead, Google faced significant backlash, which was heard loud and clear.
Perhaps Google will consider testing this feature again in the future, but likely not until after the dust settles from the failure of this initial test.
