In today's digital age, a profound and unsettling social experiment is unfolding, with children unwittingly cast as the guinea pigs. From the moment of birth, their lives are meticulously documented and monetised on platforms like Instagram, raising urgent questions about privacy, consent, and psychological well-being.
The Birth of a Digital Persona
A child enters the world, but even before their first breath, their existence is broadcast to a global audience. Ultrasound scans, nursery reveals, and birth photos are shared online, transforming intimate moments into curated content for strangers. This relentless documentation continues through every milestone—first smiles, words, and steps—all mediated through a device, fostering parasocial relationships that blur the lines between family and fandom.
Children quickly learn to navigate the black mirror of the camera, often suppressing natural instincts to avoid filming in favour of performing for parental approval, labelled as authenticity. This cycle sets the stage for future rebellion, as seen in public figures who grew up under similar scrutiny.
Celebrity Canaries in the Coalmine
Brooklyn Beckham and Prince Harry serve as early warnings in this mass experiment. Born into celebrity cultures predating Instagram, their experiences of monetised childhoods in print media now echo in the digital realm. Brooklyn's recent public denunciation of his family's exposure highlights the psychological damage inflicted by such overexposure, sparking comparisons to a potential #MeToo moment for influencer children.
These individuals struggle to construct identities amid the glare of spectacle, often dismissed as ungrateful despite voicing genuine distress. Their stories underscore a troubling societal shift: fame and fortune are increasingly prioritised over fundamental needs like safety, love, and privacy.
The Wholesome Facade and Its Dangers
Much of this content appears deceptively wholesome—smiling children in matching pyjamas, birthday celebrations, beach outings. Yet, this veneer masks a deeper issue: the deprivation of a child's freedom to grow unobserved. Even moments of vulnerability, such as tears or tantrums, are shared for engagement, perpetuating a cycle that compromises psychological well-being.
While extreme cases like YouTube vlogger Ruby Franke's neglect are rare, any influencer centring their children in content operates on a continuum that risks harm. The public's desensitisation to this monetisation normalises violations of childhood privacy, making spectators complicit in the experiment.
A Painful Reckoning Ahead
As these children mature, they are beginning to speak out, heralding a painful reckoning for parents and consumers alike. The discomfort felt by many—including those who have shared their own children online—signals a growing awareness of the ethical implications. Examining these feelings and taking steps, such as unfollowing accounts or locking profiles, can foster a healthier digital environment.
This issue is not fleeting; Brooklyn Beckham's outcry is merely the start. Society must confront the creepiness and wrongness of depriving children of an unobserved childhood, listening to their voices and prioritising their rights over online clout.
