Just the other day, ABC7 published an article about a mother who found her kids' photos on fake social media accounts and porn websites. She said she thought that the photos, originally posted to her own Facebook account, were harmless. The mother did not see anything wrong in posting a few family photos with loved ones for those who follow her on her social media accounts.
However, since finding that those photos were lifted from her account and used on various platforms where users lied about the child's age, sexual orientation and interests, the fake accounts have made her rethink what she posts.
It's sad to think that this is now the reality we live in. Parents have to think about what may happen if they post a photo of their toddler playing at the park. What seems like a harmless photo that is shared to update friends and family on social media can easily be turned into something that no parent wants.
Scrolling through my own Facebook and Instagram feed, I follow cousins, friends and coworkers who regularly post photos of their children. As the reality of the child becoming in more and more dangerous situations arises due to these photos, I can't help but think: is the profile private? Even that won't stop much. Are they saying where they are located or "checking in" to a location? THAT makes me the most nervous. Taking a photo of your child on their first day of school and writing the school's name, having the school in the background, or "checking in" to the school, opens access to anyone and everyone to now know where your child is on a daily basis.
Social media has made a predator's life so much easier. Although these various platforms are great tools for updating friends and family, it's important to keep in mind what outcomes may occur.
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