Dive into the captivating world of parental oversharing on social media. Explore how social media taps into our primal instincts and the risks of 'sharenting' for children's privacy. The emotional and ethical complexities of sharing personal stories about kids are dissected, alongside the societal pressures that drive parents. Reflect on the consequences of this behavior as it shapes children's identities in the digital age, and ponder the fine line between expression and privacy in an era of constant connectivity.
Oversharing by parents, termed 'sharenting', significantly increases risks such as identity theft and privacy violations for their children.
The instinct to share personal information on social media is driven by a primal need for social connection, often overshadowing children's safety.
Deep dives
The Risks of Oversharing
Oversharing, especially by parents sharing details about their children on social media, presents significant risks. Many parents post personal information, including their child's school or activities, which opens the door for potential dangers such as identity theft and inappropriate attention from strangers. The term 'sharenting' highlights this trend and raises concerns about the long-term effects on children’s privacy and safety. As noted in a Journal of Pediatrics commentary, there is a growing awareness around the consequences of publicizing sensitive content online, emphasizing the need for cautious sharing.
The Primal Drive to Disclose
Parents often share details about their children's lives due to a natural instinct to disclose information, akin to a primal need for social connection. Researchers assert that this drive is not merely based on weighing benefits and costs but is more instinctive, similar to hunger or thirst. This need to share can lead parents to prioritize social validation over their children's privacy. The modern context of social media creates a heightened environment for this phenomenon, reflecting a mismatch between ancient instincts and contemporary practices.
Identity Theft and Security Risks
The practice of sharenting is increasingly linked to identity theft, with experts forecasting a dramatic rise in fraud cases fueled by overshared information. As children’s personal details such as birth dates, schools, and even pet names become public, they may inadvertently provide answers to common security questions. Barclays estimates that by 2030, a significant majority of identity fraud cases will stem from this phenomenon. Consequently, parents are urged to reconsider what they share online to protect their children's identities from potential misuse.
Cultural Shifts in Parenting and Sharing
A cultural shift towards valuing public personas for children, including wanting them to become influencers, poses ethical questions about their consent and well-being. Research indicates that a notable percentage of preteens aspire to be influencers, highlighting the evolving nature of parenting in a digital age. While parents may find joy in documenting their children's milestones, it raises concerns about the long-term implications for those children. Balancing the desire to share with the responsibility of safeguarding privacy is essential in navigating this complex landscape.
How does social media exploit our evolutionary instincts? How dangerous is it to post about your children online? And does Angela regret talking about her daughters on the podcast?
SOURCES:
Erin Carbone, visiting assistant professor of social and decision sciences at Carnegie Mellon University.
Jimmy Kimmel, comedian and late-night television host.
George Loewenstein, professor of economics and psychology at Carnegie Mellon University.