As a parent, there are a few things I wonder about (well, more than just a “few,” but I will limit myself).
With all the social media hype that exists in today’s world, it is only natural to share photos of your most intimate moments as soon as possible, right? To some, this is “natural.” I see it more as an invasion of privacy… which is why I’m ok with sharing those moments with those who are either experiencing them with me, or with those who ask about it, privately.
Maybe I’m old-fashioned.
Maybe it’s because I have a little girl.
Imagine this:
you are a child, growing up in your world of love, magic, make-believe and wonder. Your
parents are constantly taking photos of you, taking photos of themselves with you, and always staring down at the small object in their hands. As you get older, you learn that it is a “phone,” and you can see pictures and videos of yourself -awesome! and that it also plays music -oh joy! and let’s not even get started on the games….
Later still, when you learn more about the internet, that ‘thing’ people are always on and using, you decide to Google your name, you know, for fun.
All of a sudden, your entire life shows up… from the picture of your mother, half-naked in her hospital gown the day she gave birth to you, to your entire baby and childhood, where your parents post funny (and embarrassing) photos of you.. Pictures, videos, comments, people: you name it, it’s there staring you in the face and available for the world.
Your. Personal. life.
It is at this exact moment that I wonder what a child will feel.
As you may realize, this is the first generation of this type of behavior, and the babies in this position are not yet old enough to know the extent of “Googling.” As we all know, what goes up online is permanent somewhere. Will they be appreciative? Will they feel betrayed? Exposed? Violated? Happy that their life has been chronicled on the world wide web?
If we as parents do not instill in our child the value and importance of privacy, and that they have the right to it, who will?
I know plenty of people (friends, family and public people) who share their child’s photos, videos, and other information online, and I do not mean to offend them (sorrynotsorry): we are all doing our best- and that certainly encompasses a wide range. I do know that I have enough to worry about with her (have you seen the news, with the sicko who was …), so I err on the side of caution vs anything of hers falling into the wrong hands, or her learning that photos and instant gratification postings are online popularity contests, or that she should share everything about herself online. She deserves her innocence.
We do not yet know what the fate of 
the social media networks will be as we grow older, or what type of effect or repercussions they will have on our lives… or just how dynamic the world ahead will be- it’s all such new ground we are treading on. As an “old-fashioned, protective mama bear,” I choose to limit my daughter’s exposure in that sense… and when she is old enough to join the hype, then it will be her decision, because she will be old enough to know more than a helpless child does. Our job for now is to protect, love, and serve (hot’n’healthy meals). I privately share personal things with those I trust, and who take the moment to ask.
Period.
beatrixszucs 