Sharenting and exploitation: a content analysis of public reactions to the Wren Eleanor situation

Faculty Advisor
Date
2023
Keywords
sharenting, children, social media, exploitation, Wren Eleanor, public reaction, content analysis
Abstract (summary)
This study analyzed 50 responses to the viral case of Wren Eleanor to understand how people react to sharenting and related allegations of child exploitation. The sample consisted of positive and negative reactions (i.e., those supportive and those critical of Wren’s mother and her sharenting). Positive responses revealed themes of Victim, Opposition, Encouragement, Emotional Attachment and Involvement, or Advice, while negative themes emphasized Perpetrator, Exploitation, Fear, or Action. This study demonstrates that parasocial relationships and interactions may play a key role in how people react to sharenting and allegations of child exploitation.
Publication Information
DOI
Notes
Presented on April 20, 2023 at Student Research Day held at MacEwan University in Edmonton, Alberta.
Item Type
Student Presentation
Language
Rights
All Rights Reserved