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As part of our advice column, we explore the challenges of parenting, friendships, and the complexities of modern life. This week, we tackle a tough question: What should you do if you suspect your best friend is using her children for social media fame?
Dear Home Insemination Kit,
I’ve been friends with “Lisa” for over ten years. Our kids are about the same age and we live in the same neighborhood. Just before the pandemic, Lisa lost her job. She started posting on TikTok during the pandemic, initially using it as a way to vent and connect with others facing similar challenges. As a fellow TikTok enthusiast, I didn’t think much of it for a while. However, it seems Lisa has now turned TikTok into a job. She may not have a huge following, but it’s significant. The issue is that she’s on the app ALL the time. I see her videos frequently and they’re always showcasing every moment of her young kids’ lives—tantrums, potty training, eating, sleeping, and illnesses. Even during playtime, the scenes look staged and controlled by her. I once witnessed her making her kids redo a video because it didn’t turn out the way she wanted. I feel like I should say something, but I fear it could jeopardize our friendship.
Yikes, a “redo,” huh? That’s definitely concerning.
This situation highlights a common downside of family accounts on platforms like TikTok. Kids, who are often minors, are featured in content that their parents share with a potentially vast audience. While it might seem harmless, children lack the ability to consent. If Lisa is exploiting her children for social media attention, it raises serious ethical questions.
We’ve seen a growing number of young adults express regret over being featured in their parents’ blogs and social media accounts, and it’s vital to recognize that today’s kids, especially Gen Z, are growing up in a world dominated by social media. This doesn’t mean it’s acceptable to treat their experiences like a reality show.
Those intimate moments, such as tantrums and potty training, are personal and should be respected as such. While it’s nice to see supportive comments like “My kid does that too,” the validation from strangers can come at a high cost to the privacy of these children.
If you decide to bring this up with Lisa, approach the topic gently. Since her content creation is happening around you, it has become your concern as well. You might ask something like, “Does little Jamie enjoy being filmed all the time?” or “It seems like Mia just wants to play. Why not wait until later to film?” This way, you’re expressing your care without being overly judgmental.
It’s important to remember that Lisa’s kids won’t stay little forever. Eventually, they will have their own opinions about their lives being shared with the world. While Lisa can certainly maintain social media accounts featuring her children, there’s a balance to find that avoids exploitation. If she’s passionate about content creation, there are alternative methods she can explore that don’t put her kids in the spotlight.
I commend you for looking out for her children. Many people overlook the potential consequences of sharing those brief glimpses into family life. Good luck with your conversation!
For more insights on this topic, you might find this article helpful. If you’re interested in home insemination, Make a Mom offers valuable resources. Additionally, the NICHD is an excellent source for pregnancy and home insemination information.
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Summary:
This article discusses a concerned friend who believes her best friend is using her kids for TikTok fame. It highlights the ethical implications of featuring minors on social media and suggests ways to address the issue delicately. The importance of children’s privacy and the potential long-term effects of their online presence are emphasized.
Keyphrase: exploiting children on social media
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