The problem is not trusting a mobile phone. There is no reason why a mobile phone with the right would be less trustworthy than a paper map.
The problem is that they are using an app that is designed preliminarily for driving and walking cities, not for mountaineering. Just as a road map is not the best choice for hiking.
Also, I keep saying "they" but who is "they"? The article mentions a dangerous route and potentially misleading directions but no account of people getting into trouble because of it. Maybe "they" are not so stupid after all. Maybe "they" can read the warning signs, realize that Google Maps is not perfect, that the path looks dangerous. Or maybe "they" are experienced, well prepared hikers who know what they are doing.
The problem is that they are using an app that is designed preliminarily for driving and walking cities, not for mountaineering. Just as a road map is not the best choice for hiking.
Also, I keep saying "they" but who is "they"? The article mentions a dangerous route and potentially misleading directions but no account of people getting into trouble because of it. Maybe "they" are not so stupid after all. Maybe "they" can read the warning signs, realize that Google Maps is not perfect, that the path looks dangerous. Or maybe "they" are experienced, well prepared hikers who know what they are doing.