Social media exploits one of the most vulnerable parts of our psyche: our need to be seen and heard and validated. The brilliant programmers of these networks have discovered how to reward this addictive impulse with Likes and comments and follower counts. They turned our greatest vulnerabilities into a game.
That’s what parents should be worried about. When you’re feeling insecure and want to be validated, resist the urge to just post more photos of your kid. Ask yourself: Is this really what my kid wants? Is this really healthy or appropriate? Or is exploiting their cuteness just a cheap way to get attention and feel better about myself? Being a fan is not about showing them off or trying to impress people—at dinner conversations or on social media. It’s not bragging about where they go to college or how cute they looked dressed up for their birthday.
Our job is to take care of them, not exploit them. Don’t turn your kids and the precious experiences you have with them into fodder for this insatiable maw.