What is Sharenting?
Sharenting is a term derived from “sharing” and “parenting.” It refers to the practice of parents sharing information, images, or videos about their children on social media or other digital platforms. While sharenting allows parents to document and celebrate milestones, it also raises ethical, privacy, and security concerns
Objectives of Discussing Sharenting
- Scope of Sharenting
- Implications of Sharenting
Scope of Sharenting
Social Media Platforms:Popular platforms for sharenting include Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Some parents also use blogs or forums to chronicle their
parenting journey.
Extent of Content:Includes images, videos, anecdotes, or detailed descriptions of a child’s life. In some cases, parents create dedicated accounts for their
children, often amassing large followings.
Audience:The audience can range from close family and friends to the general public, depending on privacy settings and the platform used.
Monetization:Some parents monetize sharenting by partnering with brands or creating content for a child-centric audience, turning their child into a social media influencer.
Implications of Sharenting
Privacy Concerns:
- Children’s personal information and images are often shared without their consent, potentially exposing them to privacy violations.
- Content posted online can persist indefinitely, potentially affecting a child’s future reputation.
Safety Risks:
- Over-sharing details like a child’s location, school, or routines can make them vulnerable to predators or identity theft.
- Images may be misused, especially if privacy settings are not appropriately configured.
Psychological Impact on Children:
- Children might feel embarrassed, violated, or upset about their online presence when they grow older.
- The perception of being “curated” for public consumption can impact their self-esteem or personal identity.
Cultural and Societal Influence:
- Normalization of sharenting may shift societal expectations about privacy and the boundaries of parent-child relationships.
- It raises questions about how children’s lives are commodified or showcased.
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