Raising a Kid in the Digital Age

A few weeks ago I posted about how I had deleted my Facebook app and why.  I also wrote about my thoughts on comparing ourselves based on social media.

Today, I want to explain why you won't be finding a whole lot about my son on here, Facebook, Instagram or other social media platform.  

A few months ago I started "researching" how other people were handling this issue.  I LOVE seeing other people's kids online. It doesn't bother me at all. I read mommy blogs. I use social media to keep up with my friends and their kids' lives. 

However, we have decided that we will be taking a different approach. We won't be posting (at least for now) pictures of our kid(s) online.  We are also asking that other people not post pictures either.  

I realize this is completely weird. The fact that my kid won't have a ready arsenal  of #tbt pics may make them as weird as the kid in my 3rd grade class who didn't have a tv. I'm willing to take that risk.

There are lots of reasons why we decided to do this (and I won't go in to all of them here), but a few are as follows:

1. While a big part of me wants to post pics and updates because it feels like "Look what I did," I realize that he is a person too.  I never want to risk crossing that line of posting something that could easily be humiliating when he's 14.  Because once it is on the Internet, it doesn't go away.

2. I want him to have the opportunity to create his own digital image... when he is old enough... when he can understand what that means. 

3. I never want there to be at risk of creepy people "stealing" pictures or any of the other weird things I discovered when researching this stuff.

4. There are people in my online life who I don't want to have access to his pictures and updates.

5. I want there to be actual people in his (and my) life.  I don't want his (or my) worth to come from likes and comments and shares.  I want it to come from quality time with other people.  If people want to see him... I want them to come see him! (Or text me and I'll send a picture)

I in no way think this is the right choice for everyone.  Like I said, I LOVE seeing pictures and videos and posts of other people's kids.  However, right now, Husband and I have decided this is best for us.

I realize this is a hot button issue for some people.  Your thoughts?



Also, here are a few of the things I read that helped shape my decision: 1 . 2 . 3 . 4