The evolution of the internet from its pre-2010 days to today’s digital behemoth is striking. There was a time when blogging was a simple, almost naive act—sharing personal stories in an intimate setting, unaware of the wider audience or the potential repercussions. Now, the internet has gone mainstream, and with it, the rise of influencers and monetised content has dramatically altered the landscape.
One pivotal shift was the monetisation of online content. Early on, blogging was a creative outlet without financial incentive. Sharing stories about motherhood, for instance, wasn’t about making money or seeking fame; it was about connecting with a small, like-minded community. But once advertisers and branded content entered the scene, the dynamic changed. Suddenly, there was money to be made from sharing every aspect of one’s life, and with it came a new set of ethical dilemmas.
The most troubling aspect is the impact on children. Kids can’t consent to having their lives shared online, and parents often don’t foresee the long-term consequences. Personal moments, like a child’s first period, are broadcast to the world, tagged and primed to go viral. This isn’t just about embarrassment; it’s about creating a digital footprint that could haunt them for life. The data shared today is training algorithms that could affect their future job prospects, privacy, and security.
My own experience as an early mommy blogger taught me the dangers of oversharing. I started writing about my children and my life without realising the potential fallout. It was only years later, seeing my daughter defend me in the comments of a viral post, that I truly grasped the impact of my actions. It was a wake-up call—a realisation that my need for validation had inadvertently harmed those I loved.
The digital landscape today is more turbulent than ever. Algorithms push content designed to maximise engagement, often at the expense of ethics and common sense. Influencers, driven by the promise of likes and followers, exploit their own lives and those of their children for content. This isn’t just a personal failing; it’s a systemic issue fuelled by the capitalist structure of the internet.
Moreover, the problem extends beyond individual behaviour. The internet is now controlled by a handful of powerful entities. Hedge funds and data companies farm our information for profit, creating shadow databases that track our every move. These aren’t just tech issues; they’re fundamental societal problems exacerbated by the profit motives of a few.
What’s particularly alarming is the lack of foresight and the ignorance of many parents and influencers. Even now, despite the clear risks, people continue to share their children’s lives online without considering the potential harm. It’s as if we’ve learned nothing from the past decade. The call to action is clear: we need to be more mindful of what we share and how it could impact those we care about.
In France, there are laws allowing children to sue their parents for sharing their images without consent. This legal approach is a step in the right direction. Making it a crime to exploit children’s privacy online isn’t about locking up parents; it’s about creating accountability and protecting the vulnerable.
As we move forward, it’s crucial to rethink our online behaviours. Parents should ask for their children’s consent before sharing, and if they’re too young to give it, perhaps that’s a sign to hold back. We need to build healthier boundaries around our digital lives, focusing on real connections rather than virtual validation.
The internet’s promise was one of empowerment and agency, but it has often delivered exploitation and harm. It’s time to reclaim the narrative, prioritise privacy, and protect the next generation from the pitfalls we’ve already stumbled into. By doing so, we can create a safer, more respectful online environment for everyone.