The rise of ‘momfluencers‘ adn ‘dadfluencers’ has sparked a debate about the implications of sharing children’s lives on social media for profit. according to social media expert Selvaggia Lucarelli, manny influencers pivot their content to focus on motherhood as it garners higher engagement and revenue. A recent UK study published in ‘Plos One’ revealed that three out of four posts from popular influencer mothers feature their children, with nearly half being promotional content. Lucarelli emphasizes the need for new legislation to protect children online, as their digital identities are often created without their consent, potentially leading to long-term consequences. While sharing occasional family moments is harmless, turning children into the focal point of a social media business raises ethical concerns about privacy and consent.
A recent study published in the journal ‘Plos One’ highlights the growing trend of influencer parents sharing their children’s lives on social media, raising ethical concerns about privacy and consent. Researchers Katherine Baxter and Barbara Czarnecka analyzed over 5,200 posts from ten popular British maternity influencers, revealing that children feature in more than 75% of these posts. While some influencers monetize their content through sponsorships and gifts,critics argue that this practice can lead to potential embarrassment for the children involved,as their private moments become public.The study calls for stricter regulations regarding the portrayal of minors online, emphasizing the need for a balance between parental sharing and children’s rights to privacy.A recent study highlights the growing trend of “sharenting” among social media influencers,especially mothers,who frequently share images of their children for commercial gain. While only 11.5% of posts contained sensitive content, nearly half of the posts featuring children were linked to sponsorships, raising ethical concerns about privacy and consent. Experts warn that children cannot consent to their lives being shared online, which could lead to potential psychological impacts and exploitation. In response to these concerns, France has enacted a law granting children the right to be forgotten, allowing them to request the removal of their images from social media. The study calls for new legislation to better protect children’s rights in the digital landscape,as current regulations remain insufficient.In a significant move to enhance online safety for children,the U.S. Congress has introduced the Kids Online Safety Act, marking the first major legislative effort in over a decade to address the challenges posed by social media and digital platforms. This groundbreaking law mandates that tech companies implement stricter measures to shield minors from harmful content, including cyberbullying and inappropriate material. As the digital landscape evolves, this legislation aims to hold companies accountable for the well-being of young users, ensuring a safer online habitat for the next generation. For more details, visit NPR’s coverage of the act here.
Time.news: Interview with Social Media Expert Selvaggia Lucarelli on the Ethics of “Sharenting”
Q: Thank you for joining us,Selvaggia. the rise of ‘momfluencers’ and ‘dadfluencers’ is reshaping social media.Can you elaborate on what “sharenting” means in this context?
A: thank you for having me. “Sharenting” refers to the practice of parents sharing content about thier children online, frequently enough for the purpose of gaining engagement and revenue. Our current landscape shows that three out of four posts from popular influencer mothers feature their children, and nearly half of these posts are promotional content. This trend highlights the commercialization of parenting experiences, and while it may seem benign, it raises significant ethical concerns.
Q: What are the primary concerns associated with sharenting?
A: The biggest concerns revolve around privacy and consent. Children do not have the ability to consent to their lives being shared online, which can lead to potential embarrassment or exploitation as they grow older.The data from a recent UK study published in ‘Plos One’ supports this, revealing that the majority of posts with children are tied to sponsorships. This shifts the child’s identity from an individual to a product, which is troubling.
Q: What long-term impacts can arise from this trend for the children involved?
A: Potential long-term impacts include psychological issues stemming from a lack of privacy and autonomy. Once something is shared online, it can be challenging to erase or control its dissemination. As they grow, these children may face difficulties with their public perception or may struggle with future relationships and job prospects due to their digital footprint being shaped without their consent.
Q: Given these concerns, what legislative measures have been proposed or enacted to protect children online?
A: There have been significant developments recently. As a notable example,France has enacted legislation granting children the right to be forgotten,allowing them to request the removal of their images from social media. In the U.S., the introduction of the Kids Online Safety Act marks a pivotal move to enhance online protections for children. This law requires tech companies to implement stricter measures to safeguard minors from harmful content, including cyberbullying.
Q: What recommendations do you have for parents who are active on social media?
A: I advise parents to be mindful about what they share and consider their children’s future privacy. It’s crucial to evaluate whether the content serves a meaningful purpose beyond mere engagement. Occasional family moments can be shared, but drawing a clear boundary to safeguard your child’s identity is essential. Ask yourself if that content could embarrass them in the future or affect their opportunities.
Q: Are there any preemptive measures parents can take to ensure that their children’s rights are protected online?
A: Parents can start by discussing the implications of online sharing with their children as they grow older, helping them understand their digital footprint. Additionally, they should consider discussing privacy settings on social media platforms and being proactive in advocating for legislative protections tailored for children’s online identities.
Q: Lastly,how do you see the future of influencer culture,particularly concerning children?
A: As awareness grows about the ethical implications of sharing children’s lives online,I believe we will see increased demand for transparency and accountability from influencer parents. The conversation around privacy rights for minors is gaining momentum, and we may witness more robust legal frameworks addressing these issues in the coming years.
Q: Thank you, Selvaggia, for shedding light on this pressing issue. Your insights are invaluable as we navigate the complexities of modern parenting in a digital landscape.
A: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we continue to bring awareness to these topics as the digital landscape evolves.