In the era of social media dominance, it is almost impossible to overlook the rise of influencer culture. Across platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, influencers share glimpses of their daily lives, transforming their personal experiences into lucrative opportunities. Among these influencers are “mommy influencers”—women who document their lives as mothers, sharing everything from parenting tips to the daily struggles of raising children. Some go as far as to turn their children into stars, sharing their milestones, funny moments, and even struggles in exchange for likes, followers, and brand sponsorships. However, as this trend has grown, so have concerns regarding the ethics of exposing children to the public eye for financial gain.
The Growing Phenomenon of Mommy Influencers
The concept of mommy influencers is not new. Moms sharing their parenting experiences on social media has become a common practice in the last decade. In Spain, figures like Verdeliss, with over a million Instagram followers, and Familia Coquete, boasting over half a million, have amassed significant audiences by documenting their parenting journeys. For these mothers, social media is not just a platform for sharing their experiences—it has become a business.
However, this lifestyle has sparked debates about the impact it has on children. Some influencers, like British mom Molly Gunn, have started to reconsider the potential harm of exposing their children to millions of strangers online. Gunn, with over 100,000 followers, recently deleted more than 2,000 photos of her children, explaining that she regretted subjecting them to such public visibility. Her decision has reignited the conversation about the ethics of sharing children’s lives on social media and the potential emotional toll it can take on young minds.
The Emotional and Psychological Impact of Overexposure
The central concern about sharing children’s lives online revolves around the psychological and emotional effects it may have on them. Growing up under the constant gaze of an online audience can have long-lasting consequences. For some children, the exposure may lead to a loss of privacy, potentially affecting their self-esteem, sense of identity, and even mental health. Molly Gunn’s decision to remove her children from the public eye serves as a cautionary tale for other parents who might not fully understand the consequences of such decisions.
The risks of overexposure go beyond momentary discomfort. Clinical psychologists, such as Paloma Ramón, warn about the potential long-term effects of constant exposure on children’s development. Ramón explains that children subjected to public scrutiny may experience difficulties in forming a solid sense of self. “The overexposure of minors can create identity issues and emotional problems, including anxiety or depression, both in the short and long term,” she says. Children growing up in the public eye are also at risk of normalizing the suppression of their emotions, as social media tends to present a polished and idealized version of life.
Privacy and Autonomy: The Rights of Children in a Digital Age
The debate about whether parents should post content involving their children often comes down to a matter of privacy and autonomy. Children do not have the agency to choose whether they want to be part of their parent’s social media presence. For many influencers, sharing their children’s lives is an unconscious decision rooted in their desire to maintain their online presence and business. However, this raises the ethical question of whether parents are sacrificing their children’s privacy for the sake of profit and fame.
Isabel Cuesta, known for her account @unamadremolona, highlights the importance of maintaining a child’s anonymity. At first, she shared content with her children, but as her follower count grew, she began to question whether it was fair to expose her children to the public. “They did not choose to be public figures; who am I to take away their anonymity?” Cuesta reflects. She suggests that the issue is not about judging others but recognizing that the more followers a parent gains, the greater the pressure to continue sharing content. “The problem is that as long as this is allowed, it will continue happening because it’s such a large source of income,” Cuesta says.
Moreover, Cuesta argues that exposing children in this way can have damaging effects on their future self-esteem and mental health. “When a child’s image is shared widely, they may develop a dependence on external validation, becoming vulnerable to anxiety or depression,” she adds. This is especially true as children grow into adolescents and eventually adults. If they have spent their formative years living in the public eye, their sense of self-worth may be tied to social media approval, making them susceptible to mental health issues later in life.
The Fine Line Between Sharing and Exploitation
While some influencers openly express their concerns and withdraw from posting about their children, others, like Eva Almacellas, argue that as long as it’s done responsibly, sharing children’s lives on social media can be a positive experience. Almacellas, known for her account @trimadreconv, openly shares photos and videos of her children, emphasizing that her posts are always respectful and considerate of their feelings. “I don’t see it as a problem to share parts of my life, including my kids,” Almacellas says. “I’m proud of them, and social media is like my memory bank, something I enjoy sharing.”
Almacellas claims that she carefully curates her content to ensure that her children never feel embarrassed or uncomfortable about the posts. “I publish content that I believe will not hurt them in the future,” she states. While Almacellas might have the best of intentions, the question remains: how much control do children really have over their digital identities, especially when they have no say in what is posted on their behalf?
It is clear that the line between sharing and exploiting can be thin. Some parents argue that the benefits outweigh the potential risks, as sharing their children’s lives can open up lucrative opportunities and secure their children’s future. However, this justification raises further ethical concerns. Does financial gain justify compromising a child’s privacy and potentially their emotional well-being? At what point does sharing become exploitation?
The Consequences of a Digital Footprint
One of the most significant concerns about exposing children on social media is the permanent digital footprint they create. Once a photo or video is posted online, it is difficult, if not impossible, to erase it. This means that children may have to face the consequences of their parents’ actions well into adulthood. Whether they like it or not, their childhood will be accessible to anyone with an internet connection, and their privacy will have been compromised long before they could consent to it.
As the digital age continues to evolve, so does the permanence of information. The simple act of sharing photos of children in everyday scenarios can result in unintended long-term consequences. In the future, when these children grow up, they might find themselves Googling their names and discovering a wealth of personal information about their lives that they never consented to be shared. This lack of control over their personal narrative can lead to feelings of resentment, confusion, or anxiety, especially if their digital identities do not align with the way they want to present themselves to the world.
Carmen Osorio, a journalist and influencer, experienced a shift in her approach after having children. Although she stopped posting photos of her children years ago, she does not regret her earlier posts. “I always published content that respected my children’s privacy, avoiding sensitive situations like hospital visits or moments of vulnerability,” Osorio explains. Nevertheless, she acknowledges that the digital age has made it increasingly difficult to protect children’s privacy, even for well-meaning parents.
Conclusion: Striking a Balance Between Sharing and Protecting
In conclusion, the rise of mommy influencers and the sharing of children’s lives on social media is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it offers a platform for parents to document their experiences and even turn their personal lives into a business. On the other hand, it raises significant ethical concerns about privacy, emotional well-being, and the long-term effects of growing up under the scrutiny of millions of strangers.
As the debate continues, it is crucial for parents to consider the potential impact of their online actions on their children. The key to responsible sharing lies in transparency, consent, and mindfulness. Parents must be willing to question their motives and consider whether the content they share is truly in the best interest of their children. While social media offers a space for creativity and connection, it also requires a careful balance between sharing and protecting one’s family from the digital world’s potential harm.
As we move forward, the question remains: how can parents best navigate this new digital age without compromising the well-being of their children? The answer may lie in respecting children’s autonomy, considering their privacy rights, and prioritizing their emotional health over short-term gains.
