In this age of hashtags and filters, where our lives are increasingly lived through the lens of a smartphone camera, a curious phenomenon has emerged: 'Sharenting.' This term, making its debut in 2010, has become the hallmark of parents who just can not resist sharing every delightful, funny, and even mundane detail of their children's lives online.
But what lies beneath this seemingly endless stream of cute baby pictures and amusing anecdotes? Let's take a deep dive into the psychology behind 'sharenting.'
The Birth of 'Sharenting'
Before we venture into the depths of parental oversharing, let's first grasp what 'sharenting' entails. Imagine a world where your toddler's first step is not just a personal triumph but a global event, documented in HD for all to see. Welcome to the world of 'sharenting,' where parents become documentarians, curators, and influencers in their children's lives.
Karolina / Pexels / ‘Sharenting’ is a novel term that refers to a phenomenon where parents can not resist the temptation of talking about their kids on social media.
Now, you might wonder, what is so wrong with sharing these precious moments online? Isn't it a natural way for parents to celebrate their little ones' achievements with friends and family? Well, of course. But it is the frequency, scale, and underlying psychology that make 'sharenting' a captivating subject of exploration.
Parents Feel a Sense of Connection in ‘Sharenting’
At the core of 'sharenting' lies the compelling psychology of connection. In simpler terms, parents find a profound sense of connection when they share their children's lives on social media. It is not merely about showing off or seeking validation, though that can play a part. Rather, it is about forging a community in the digital realm.
In today's world, parents often grapple with the challenges of raising children in a landscape far removed from their own upbringing. Grandparents might not always be around to dispense wisdom, and the proverbial village that once aided in child-rearing has now scattered across the globe.
Andrea / Pexels / When parents share their parenting stories, they feel a profound sense of relief when other parents resonate with their tales of child-rearing.
Thus, it is an unspoken bond that transcends geographical boundaries. Whether it is the sleepless nights, the notorious terrible twos, or the artistic masterpieces created with crayons on the living room wall, parents from diverse corners of the world can relate. And that connection is nothing short of a psychological lifeline.
Parents Feel Validated Via ‘Sharenting’
While connection undeniably drives 'sharenting,' let's not discount the validation factor. Imagine this scenario: A mom posts a photo of her child's homemade science experiment, and it amasses scores of likes and comments praising the child's brilliance.
Ketut / Pexels / As parents ‘sharent,’ they feel validated as other parents approve of their parenting and resonate with it online.
Social media has an uncanny ability to transform everyday moments into grand celebrations. A snapshot of a child's first day at school can quickly turn into a viral sensation. The rush of positive feedback can elevate a parent's self-esteem and reinforce the notion that they are doing an admirable job as parents. It's akin to receiving a gold star on a report card, albeit on a much grander scale.
Balancing Act
So, how can parents strike a balance between sharing their parenting journey and respecting their child's privacy? It all boils down to mindfulness in posting and understanding the 'why' behind your sharing. Before you click 'share,' consider if the content respects your child's dignity and privacy.
Plus, reflect on whether your child would approve of the information being shared once they are old enough to have a say. Likewise, it is also vital to establish boundaries with your audience. Not everyone in your social media network needs to know every detail of your child's life.
