The rise of influencers has brought forth a new set of challenges, especially for their children. Imagine growing up with every aspect of your life documented and shared with thousands, if not millions, of strangers.
Delve into the life of a teenager who grew up as the child of a famous influencer and discovers the unique challenges they face.
The Unwanted Spotlight
This teenager’s life was documented on their mother’s popular mommy blog from a young age. Their mom shared every milestone, every achievement, and even the mundane moments with the world.
This constant exposure led to a digital footprint that the teenager worries might affect their future job prospects, dating life, and overall privacy.
Taking a Stand
Feeling trapped and desperate for a solution, the teenager found a creative way to reclaim their privacy. They had hoodies made with phrases like “No photos,” “I do not consent to be photographed,” and “Respect my privacy” printed all over them.
The idea was simple: make it impossible for their mother to take aesthetically pleasing photos without conveying a strong message of dissent.
Undeterred Mother
While the hoodies served their purpose for the teenager and their younger sister, their mother was less than pleased. She argued that she just wanted memories of their younger years and promised to ask before posting.
However, past experiences showed that she often returned to her word by negotiating or posting without permission.
“Mommy Blogging” Could Be Exploitative
Many people had a lot to say about this issue. One commenter pointed out the exploitative nature of the influencer culture, especially when it involves children. They mentioned,
“Your mom has exploited you all your life for money. That’s [bad] enough, but then to try and guilt-trip/manipulate you into continuing to participate even though you’ve told her explicitly you don’t want to be a part of it anymore? That is beyond the pale.”
The Need for Legislation
Another person highlighted the potential need for legislation to protect children from such exposure. They stated,
“You have every right to feel that way. I think the hoodie is a brilliant idea! This is really interesting actually. Perhaps legislation needs to be introduced to protect children from this kind of thing. We need a national discussion about the privacy rights of kids.”
The Voice of the Affected
A passionate comment read,
“FINALLY YALL ARE OLD ENOUGH TO COMPLAIN. We have been worried about kids in your position for years, but they were all too young to stand up for themselves. You are a part of a larger reckoning. Contact other kids in your situation. Start a club. Sue your parents maybe one day.”
The Boundaries of Privacy
One empathized with the teenager’s plight and expressed concern about violating privacy. They shared,
“It’s been really interesting/kind of heartbreaking watching this sort of privacy violation unfold over the last two decades. People who make a living writing or photographing and posting about their kids, who can’t consent at a very young age — that feels questionable as it is.”
Children Are Not Property
Another one emphasized the importance of recognizing children as individuals, not property. They remarked,
“It amazes me how many parents forget that our kids are not our property. I share stories about my children online. However, I do not use my real name, I do not use their real names, and I do not post their photos.”
The Phenomenon of “Sharenting” and Its Implications
The rise of social media has given birth to a new trend known as “sharenting.” This term refers to parents, caregivers, or relatives sharing extensive details about their underage children online, typically on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Sharing can include photos, videos, personal stories, and other daily updates about the child’s life.
The Rise of Sharenting
A study titled “Sharenting Syndrome: An Appropriate Use of Social Media?” published on PubMed Central delves deep into this phenomenon. It highlights that with the increasing use of social media, parents share significant moments from their children’s lives on their accounts.
This act of sharing not only includes joyous occasions but also everyday activities such as eating, sleeping, and playing.
The Dark Side of Sharenting
While many parents believe they are merely documenting memories, the study suggests that a staggering 86.9% of participants view sharing children’s photos and videos on social media platforms by parents, relatives, and caregivers as a form of child neglect and abuse.
The potential dangers of sharenting include identity theft and the misuse of children’s images on inappropriate websites.
Reports by the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children indicate that half of the photos shared by child sexual abusers were initially posted on social media by parents.
The Debate on Consent
One of the core issues surrounding sharenting is the matter of consent. Children, especially those very young, cannot provide informed consent for their images and stories to be shared widely on the internet. This oversharing can lead to potential risks in their future, including impacts on job prospects, dating, and general privacy.
Furthermore, the study indicates that sharenting may result in emotional neglect and abuse. Caregivers might prioritize creating engaging content for their followers over the child’s immediate needs.
Children might sometimes be coerced into repeating certain behaviors or phrases for the camera, exploiting them for entertainment.
Open Dialogue Is Needed
As the digital age continues to evolve, it becomes imperative for parents and caregivers to understand the long-term implications of their online actions.
Open communication between parents and children and awareness campaigns on the potential risks of sharing can go a long way in ensuring the safety and well-being of children in the online realm.
More from Viral Chatter
In the heart of a concerned mother, aged 46, lies a whirlwind of emotions.
She grapples with her daughter’s recent life choices, torn between the urge to protect and the need to understand.
As she reaches out to the digital world, she seeks solace, understanding, and guidance. Here’s what happened:
- Read: This Mom’s Fight to Keep 18-Year-Old Daughter from Moving Across the Country With New Girlfriend
Her Birth Mother Put Her Up For Adoption & Told Everyone She Was Stillborn
Bringing a new life into the world is a remarkable journey, where some experience overwhelming joy and contentment while others may feel anticipation or fear. The hardships of giving birth go beyond the physical challenges, encompassing the emotional turmoil of deciding whether to keep the baby or explore other options.
It is a deeply personal and complex process that requires careful consideration, such as personal circumstances, financial stability, and the child’s well-being.
A recent video has captivated viewers with a narrative that uncovers the heartbreaking revelation in her adoption story.
Sources
- ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10218097/
This article was produced and syndicated by Viral Chatter. It was inspired by this Reddit thread.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
