the "sharenting" trap: protecting children's digital footprint in the age of gen alpha influencers

Content Warning: This episode contains graphic discussions about online child exploitation and the potential long-term impacts of social media sharing on children’s privacy and safety. Listener discretion is advised, especially for those who may find these topics distressing.Episode Description: In this critical episode, we delve into the stark realities of a digital age where the allure of social media stardom for young influencers is overshadowed by the looming threat of exploitation. Our investigative journey begins with a profound analysis of a New York Times article from February 24th, 2024, that exposes a disturbing "marketplace" of girl influencers managed by their mothers. With over 2.1 million Instagram posts scrutinized, months of online chats with professed pedophiles monitored, and over 100 interviews, including those with parents and children, this piece reveals how a seemingly innocent attempt to launch a child's modeling career can spiral into a dark chasm, exploited by adult men with malicious intent. The episode confronts the dual-edged sword of parental involvement—where support and nurturing can inadvertently lead to the commodification of a child's image and privacy. We uncover the complexities faced by parents like Elissa, who, despite her best intentions, grapples with the reality of her daughter's growing online presence. We explore the unsettling trend of parents marketing their children's personal moments for financial gain or social media perks, all while their online actions shape their children's future selves without their consent. Shifting focus, we dissect the influential 2017 study "Sharenting: Children's Privacy in the Age of Social Media," which casts a legal lens on the conflict between a parent's right to share and a child's inherent interest in privacy. The study raises ethical questions and discusses the irreversible impact of sharenting on a child's ability to control their digital narrative. It suggests a public health approach, advocating for best practices that parents should adopt to navigate the delicate balance between sharing and safeguarding their children's digital identities. Articles referenced: “A Marketplace of Girl Influencers Managed by Moms and Stalked by Men” By Jennifer Valentino-DeVries and Michael H. Keller via the New York Times (Feb 2024) and “Sharenting: Children's Privacy in the Age of Social Media” by Stacey B. Steinberg (2017)Enjoyed this episode? Explore more as a Premium Submarine. Dive deep into hundreds of hours of ad-free exclusive content and full-length episodes on Patreon, including my original BPD recovery series, guided meditations, and much more. Click here to preview the premium collections you’ll unlock access to for as little as a couple of cups of coffee a month. Learn more and join at backfromtheborderline.com.The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional. acast+ https://plus.acast.com/s/back-from-the-borderline. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.