About a week ago I had an incredible meeting with a tech entrepreneur. We chatted about technology, the constant changes in social media and how to bring more potential to our digital work.
I know many bloggers and influencers are constantly in search of the next best thing that will take their platforms to the next level. Same goes for mom bloggers, and, like me, lifestyle writers. We put our thoughts, ideas and opinions on the web in hopes to help others, connect with readers who are going through the same thing, or simply to vent or rant. It's a social media world, and we are able to bring income into our homes and increase the overall revenue of our household.
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One thing that has always worried me as a mom is exposing my children to the world of social media and web sharing. I know once an image has been put on the Internet, it can’t ever be taken back. That’s why I’m so conscious about sharing images of and details about my children on social media outlets. I often ask family members to refrain from posting pictures that show their faces too much, or their names and personal info, or school uniform.
I have declined many paid campaigns and sponsored content because the requirements included a detailed run of their days or too many up-close images. I have always done it, because I believe it's better to be safe than sorry. But I didn’t know the extent of how deep and concerning the situation is.
Next time you’re surfing on the web or downloading the latest photo app, read everything before accepting and think about how much are you willing to give away to complete strangers.
Privacy issues are nothing to take lightly. When we download an app, we are giving away our entire lives—location, surfing habits, contacts, etc.—to that company. Not only are we providing them with our phonebook and search results, but, in many instances, we're even giving them access to our photos and galleries.
Do you read thoroughly each of the requests? Did you know that with a simple format, anyone could download your entire photo directory from Instagram without having to ask for your consent? Or that all your phone numbers, emails, addresses, etc., are given to messenger apps that download them and retain the information even after you delete it from your phone or tablet? Have you noticed how after you browse fall boots, all of the sudden all the sponsored content on Facebook is about shoe deals or shoe collections?
You can thank cookies for that, and I’m not talking about the chocolate chip yummy kind.
How much do we know about social media and are we aware that we are pretty much giving away our lives for a few likes?
I am OK with sharing my image and experiences, and I’m sure you are, too. But are you OK with sharing the details of your children’s lives? Where they go to school, where they shop, what they do during the summer?
RELATED: Why I Share Kid Pics on Facebook
What’s truly concerning is that anyone—yes, even child molesters—can have access to the lives of our children with a simple smart code and a click. We must teach our children to be wise about what they share and post, and educate ourselves about the information that tech companies are able to acquire from us.
Next time you’re surfing on the web or downloading the latest photo app, read everything before accepting and think about how much are you willing to give away to complete strangers.
Image via Twenty20/FranklyFrank
