Follower

This is an art project by Lauren Lee McCarthy. You can view documentation of the project here. If you have further questions please email hi@follower.today.

How does my Follower know where I am?
On the day of your following, the app will send your GPS location to your Follower. They will use this to aid in keeping track of you as they follow you throughout the day.

Does my Follower follow me physically or virtually?
Your Follower follows you physically in your everyday life for a day. They aim to maintain a distance that is within your consciousness but just beyond your sight.

Is it safe?
Right now I (Lauren McCarthy) am the only Follower. I have honed my ability to pay attention and follow with empathy and care. I will not intervene in your life in any way, but instead remain a casual observer in support of you. All personal information is kept confidential. Your GPS location is shared only with your Follower for the period of your following for the sole purpose of me being able to keep you within my sight.

Is this like a bodyguard or paparazzi? Why would I want to be Followed?
Your Follower acts as a passive observer and remote companion, they do not offer physical protection services or interact with you in any way. You tell us why you’d want one. We imagine it might offer some other form of interaction or relationship you have not had before, perhaps a way to experience new feelings, a different way of being in the world. Maybe it adds a little excitement or magic to your day, maybe it gives you a different perspective on your life.

I no longer want to be followed, can I end the experience early?
Simply delete the app and your Follower will no longer have access to your location and will stop following you.

Do I have to live in New York City?
The Follower service is only available in NYC right now, but we plan to expand to other cities soon.

Is it only available for iPhone users?
At this time, yes. We hope to expand to other platforms soon.