Why Photos Aren't the Only Thing We Should Worry About When Sharing Our Kids' Lives Online
Many parents are aware that posting photos of their children online comes with risks. But it's not just photos that can be harmful; it's often the minor details shared that can be the most dangerous. As we approach the holiday season, it's a crucial time to discuss the potential pitfalls of online sharing.
The Power of Details
Joanne Orlando, a digital wellbeing researcher at Western Sydney University, highlights that it's not just the images themselves but the accompanying details that can reveal a lot about your child. For instance, a photo of your daughter at dance class might include a sign in the background, indicating the suburb or street. A caption like, 'She's not amazing at dancing, but we keep trying, she's a trouper' provides insight into your child's character. Even a comment from a friend, 'We love XYZ dance school!', can reveal where your daughter attends.
These seemingly minor details can paint a comprehensive picture of your child's identity, lifestyle, and personality, which can have long-lasting effects. Dr. Orlando warns that predators might exploit these posts, following you, analyzing the photos, backgrounds, and comments, and that's just one post. The more you post, the more hidden details that can be uncovered.
The Contextual Information in Images
Nicholas Carah, director of the Centre for Digital Cultures and Societies at the University of Queensland, emphasizes that images are 'full of other contextual information' about your life. This includes subtle details like the type of car you drive or the holidays you take, which can reveal your social status. Even if your kids aren't in the photo or are obscured, this information can paint a picture of your life.
Long-Term Consequences
Dr. Carah notes that while it might be 'rare' for this information to be used maliciously, people who want to establish connections with your children will use these details to create a sense of familiarity, which can be convincing or reassuring to your child. At the same time, Dr. Orlando warns that once these details are out, they can never be completely removed from the internet. AI can conduct background checks and dig up deleted content, and children can't provide informed consent about what parents share online, which may later be seen as an invasion of privacy.
Safe Sharing Strategies
Dr. Carah suggests that it's not about completely stopping sharing your child's life but about doing it safely. For instance, instead of posting multiple photos on social media, you can share them in a family group chat, which reduces the risk. Dr. Orlando also recommends taking the time to talk to family and friends about what's appropriate to share and reminding them to ask for permission or make agreements before posting.
For example, Dr. Orlando suggests asking them to 'select just one pretty safe shot' to post. It's also a good practice to ask your child for permission, even if they don't fully understand the implications, as it helps develop their understanding of consent and respect.
