Managing Children Identity on Facebook Fanpage by Influencer Parents

Abstract

           This article is part of a research paper entitled Managing Children Identity on Facebook Fanpage by Influencer Parents, aiming to study content patterns, and the concept of designing and presenting content which leads to a child's identity by an influencer parent. The study also desires to explore ways to manage potential issues with the identity and privacy of children growing up with these parents. The data was collected from a content analysis on five Facebook Fanpages. Moreover, the in-depth interview with influencer parents were conducted.

            The results showed that parents are more likely to present the content that reflects their child's identity: they usually feature activities or content related to daily life, and activities or content with parents. Meanwhile, the commercial activities or content appear in the following orders, which are demonstrated along with other content. Parents choose to display only positive emotion and positive identity of their child by employing an observation method in presentation and avoiding coercion; but there may be a bargaining approach for children to participate. The parents believe that the appearance of the child is just a reflection of their point of view, while presenting child's identity in a positive way may reduce future conflicts. If negative identities are presented, they will choose to tell the story in a lesson-learned review technique to reflect the child's learning.

           Parents are aware of disclosing their child's personal information in many ways but may disclosure of certain information if it is considered safe or necessary. Simultaneously, the parents further avoid revealing real-time and nude photos of their child, they will review and inquire more consent from their child as the child grows older. The parents are also willing to stop publishing their child content if their child does not want to appear anymore on their social media in the future. The mothers play a significant role in monitoring information and creating a representative image of “desirable child” which reflect the image of “a representation of an ideal mother” who is successful in family life and making family income.