Abstract:

The development of social media as a platform for communication across generations has fundamentally reshaped the ways in which we experience and express social roles. This covers business activities, working patterns and parenting. People no longer hold dear the printed photographs taken with precision during family holidays. There is far more space for sharing the emotions as they are experienced “live” on social networking platforms. The truth is, “sharenting” was possible as a trend due to a few phenomena co-existing together: (1) advancement in technology; (2) social change in perception of a parental role; (3) attitude to sharing private memories in public situations (like – on social media). Sharing private information about children, including photographs presenting them in embarrassing or “funny” situations, publishing jokes that children said can seemingly be just an expression of a parent pride or the need to self-express. However, it gives a chance to make money while other people follow created content. And as such – it also rises questions about the digital footprint, not to mention – the ethical boundaries of commodifying children’s digital presence.