The Dark Side of ‘Sharenting’

Is this video a look into the future?

We see this video (“Message from Ella Without Consent”) as a way to visualize a potential future.

PBJ Learning often posts articles explaining how technology is affecting the future. These articles explain how bad actors are using technology to take advantage of us, our children, and our elders. This advertisement from Deutsche Telekom takes those concerns and plays them out in a clear video format.

Here's how the video has been explained by other media sites:

“Nine-year-old Ella is like many other children born in an age of social media. Her parents often post about her life on the platforms, sharing birthday parties, play time and silly moments. 

But neither Ella nor her parents are aware of how these carefree posts could harm her future. 

The latest campaign from telecommunications company Deutsche Telekom reveals a dark side of social media, one that some parents may not have considered before: children whose images are posted online could fall victim to identity abuse. 

Some studies have estimated that by 2030, nearly two-thirds of identity fraud cases affecting a young generation will have resulted from “sharenting”—the common practice of parents sharing photos or videos of their children on social media. Research also shows that an average 5-year-old child has already had about 1,500 pictures uploaded online without their consent by their parents.

Deutsche Telekom's haunting ad, created by agency adam&eveBerlin, features a deepfake version of an adult Ella that was made using artificial intelligence (AI). The “older” Ella confronts her shocked parents with the devastating consequences of their sharenting.”

Parents, pay heed

Parents, watch the video. Think about what you're doing. Your children are counting on YOU to be the one that's done the research and is thinking about their future. 

Read more about online grooming here.

Read more about online bad actors here.