Sharenting
Sharenting definition
Sharenting is a practice when parents share details about their children on social media and blogs. This includes posting photos or videos, sharing stories about their kids, or discussing their achievements or challenges. The term was created by combining sharing and parenting.
Sharenting allows parents to connect with friends and family and express their pride in their children. However, the practice has also raised concerns about the children’s privacy and safety.
How a switching loop works
When a loop is formed due to an unintentional interconnection between bridges or switches, data packets sent from one segment start to loop endlessly without reaching their intended destination. As they circulate, they are repeatedly flooded to all segments connected to the looped path, consuming network resources.
Eventually, the accumulation of redundant packets leads to a broadcast storm. The storm can overload layer 2 connecting nodes and cause packet collision, resulting in the network going down.
Dangers of sharenting
- Privacy invasion. The child may not be able to consent to having their photos or details about their lives shared publicly. As they grow older, they may feel uncomfortable or embarrassed by what has been shared.
- Digital identity. Sharenting can contribute to the formation of a child’s digital identity before they are old enough to shape it themselves. This online identity could follow them into adulthood, affecting future job prospects or relationships.
- Security risks. Information shared online can sometimes be used maliciously. For instance, a seemingly harmless picture at home could give away your location. Personal details, such as a child’s full name, birth date, or the school they attend, can be used for identity theft or even by predators.
- Data mining and advertising. Companies can collect data from the images, videos, and information parents post about their children. These companies may use this data for targeted advertising or other commercial purposes.
- Cyberbullying. Information or images shared can sometimes be used by peers to bully or harass a child.