The Dilemma of Screening Family Members on Social Media
The decision to screen or not screen family members from one's social media circle can lead to a multitude of awkward situations. For instance, a young man who shared a romantic post about his girlfriend without screening his parents ended up facing a barrage of questions and demands to bring his girlfriend home. This kind of experience highlights the potential for misunderstandings and unwanted interventions when family members are not screened out. Similarly, a student who posted about her travels on social media had her parents comment and lecture her about focusing on her studies instead of "wasting" time on leisure activities, leading to feelings of resentment.
3 February 2025
Many web users have shared their experiences and troubles of not blocking their family members on social media, with some expressing that they do not block their family members because they want to maintain a good relationship with them and keep them updated on their lives. However, this can sometimes lead to misunderstandings and troubles, such as parents commenting on posts and asking users to delete or change the content. The topic of whether to shield parents from one's social media circle has sparked intense debate among netizens, with a survey conducted by Tencent showing that 52% of users have blocked their parents from viewing their posts.
Some individuals choose to shield their parents to avoid unnecessary worry or to maintain a sense of personal space, while others argue that shielding parents is not necessary and may even be harmful to their relationship. Experts suggest that the conflict between parents and children is often a result of different cultural and social values, with parents from older generations having a harder time understanding the online behaviors and preferences of their children. This is evident in the numerous stories shared by social media users, such as one user who forgot to screen their family members before posting about finding a male model, only to be met with embarrassment and awkwardness.
Other users have shared similar experiences, with one user's mother constantly commenting on their posts and asking intrusive questions, and another user's parents asking for money that was given as a gift. These experiences have led many to reevaluate their social media settings and consider screening their family members. In fact, some users have found creative ways to manage their online relationships with family members, such as setting up separate groups or filtering out certain posts. For example, one user sets their posts to be invisible to their family members, while another user has a system of categorizing their friends and acquaintances to control who sees what.
Ultimately, whether or not to shield parents from one's social media circle is a personal decision that depends on individual circumstances and relationships. By being open and communicative, users can maintain good relationships with their family members while also protecting their online privacy and boundaries. Setting boundaries and communicating openly with family members can help resolve problems and maintain healthy relationships. It is essential to understand the reasons and motivations behind screening behavior and to promote intergenerational communication and understanding. Through open and honest conversations, family members can better understand each other's needs and boundaries, ultimately establishing healthier and more harmonious relationships. As one user put it, "love sometimes needs distance, to let the heart and heart cherish the time of gathering," highlighting the importance of finding a balance between sharing one's life with family members and maintaining personal space.
