Caution: Sharing images of family members on social platforms may negatively impact their psychological well-being
In the digital age, a common question that arises in social circles is, "Can I post it?" This query often pertains to photos or videos shared among friends, ranging from selfies to group shots.
This cautionary question is not uncommon, as people are increasingly aware of the potential consequences of their online actions. Some individuals might respond with a nonchalant "Yes, I really don't care," while others might express concerns, saying "No, I look too ugly in it."
The concern isn't merely about personal appearance, however. Some people might inadvertently feed content to platforms or entities they are opposed to, thereby unwittingly supporting causes they disagree with.
This issue is particularly relevant to certain groups who strongly reject social networks and view their presence on these platforms as a violation of their activism. These groups typically include militant activists who criticize superficial online engagement, sometimes called "pseudo-activists," and right-wing extremist online activists who co-opt social media for opposing ideological campaigns. These groups often see social networks as diluting genuine activism or as platforms exploited for purposes contradictory to their cause.
Interestingly, there are individuals who are vehemently against social networks and see their appearance on them as an infringement on their activism. On the other hand, some people are not bothered by their image appearing on social media, while others are meticulously careful about it.
In such situations, the person in question is shown the photo or video on a smartphone and asked to scrutinize it. The question, "Can I post it?" hangs in the air, waiting for a response that balances personal comfort, digital safety, and activist convictions.
In the end, the decision to post or not post a photo or video is a personal one, reflecting each individual's unique relationship with social media and their own values and beliefs.
