How to Identify and Avoid Commercialised Online Parenting Groups
For new parents struggling with challenges such as breastfeeding and sleep deprivation, social media can be a great place to turn for advice. Digital platforms like Facebook and Reddit host a range of groups that offer peer support and information.
How Can Social Media Groups Help?
In Australia, closed Facebook groups are a popular choice for parents accessing free peer support and information online. These groups are often started by not-for-profit organisations or parents themselves and have a number of benefits. Parents can connect with others, share experiences, seek advice, and learn about different parenting approaches.
What’s the Problem with Monetising Groups?
When access to parenting support and information is limited or biased, it can have serious consequences for those already facing challenges with parenting. Let’s imagine an example. A group member is posting about birth trauma, but in responding, other members aren’t allowed to mention local service providers because they are not paid sponsors of the group.
What Can We Do?
Protecting parents from commercialised social media groups requires a multifaceted approach. Regulation is crucial, ensuring that social media groups are transparent about any commercial interests and commercial entities are marketing their products ethically. Public awareness campaigns can educate parents about the potential biases and risks associated with commercialised platforms. Collaboration between policymakers, researchers, industry representatives, and parent advocacy groups is vital to develop effective solutions that address these challenges.
What Should I Look Out For?
To protect yourself from misinformation in online parenting groups, it’s crucial to be critical of information sources. It’s a good idea to:
- Watch out for warning signs like excessive product promotion, lack of transparency about group affiliations, and a primary focus on selling.
- Look at who the "admins" are and check out the list of "members".
- Check if the group accepts "pages" (which are often run by businesses) in addition to individual people.
- Look for groups focused on sharing experiences, offering support, and building authentic relationships.
- Observe how members interact and how heavily the groups are moderated and censored.
- When you join the group, carefully consider the group rules and what they say about mentioning support services and the promotion of commercial products.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while social media groups can be a valuable resource for new parents, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks associated with commercialised groups. By being critical of information sources and watching out for warning signs, you can protect yourself and your community from misinformation and exploitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I identify commercialised online parenting groups?
A: Look out for warning signs like excessive product promotion, lack of transparency about group affiliations, and a primary focus on selling.
Q: What should I do if I suspect a group is commercialised?
A: Leave the group and seek out alternative resources that offer reliable and unbiased information.
Q: How can I protect myself from misinformation in online parenting groups?
A: Be critical of information sources, look out for warning signs, and cross-reference information with reputable sources.
