Navigating Digital Sharing: When 'No' to Online Posts Isn't 'No' to All Sharing

Not medical advice. For emergencies, call your local emergency number.

The rise of social media and AI has understandably made many parents more cautious about sharing images of their children. This post touches on a common concern: if you choose not to post your child online, does that extend to being wary of sharing photos even via text message? The original poster (OP) expresses a desire for privacy, feeling uneasy about where even texts might end up, despite trusting the recipient. This hesitation, even with a known acquaintance, highlights the nuanced approach many parents take in a world saturated with digital sharing.

OP’s feelings of being ‘weird’ or ‘crazy’ are valid in the context of wanting to be perceived as normal, yet the underlying concern for digital safety is paramount. It’s important to remember that setting boundaries around personal information, including photos of children, is a personal choice. Trust in individuals is often multifaceted; you might trust someone implicitly in person but still have reservations about the longevity and security of digital exchanges.

This situation prompts a broader discussion about digital consent and the evolving landscape of privacy. While physical photos were once the primary way to share memories, digital formats present different challenges. The OP’s dilemma is not about being antisocial, but about managing risk in a digital age. Ultimately, prioritizing comfort and safety over perceived social norms is a responsible approach to parenting in the 21st century. It’s okay to feel hesitant, and articulating those feelings, even if just to yourself, is a step towards managing digital boundaries effectively.

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