Nearly eleven years ago, I welcomed my first child into the world. Just a few months earlier, in February 2004, Mark Zuckerberg launched the social media platform that would become integral to our lives. While it took time for Facebook to gain widespread popularity, it has undeniably become a staple in the experience of motherhood. From announcing pregnancies to documenting milestones, such as tantrums, potty training, and teenage shenanigans, Facebook serves as an online baby book where mothers share triumphs and challenges alike. However, not every mom on Facebook approaches the platform in the same way. Similar to the diverse parenting styles we see in real life, Facebook moms can be categorized into several distinct groups. You might even find yourself or your mom friends fitting into one or more of these profiles:
- The Mom with 782 Friends: You may meet this mom at a playground or a local event, and before you know it, she’s sending you a friend request. You might never interact again, but congratulations, you’re now part of her ever-growing friend list. She appreciates the boost to her friend count, even if it means minimal engagement from her end.
- The Passive-Aggressive “Liker”: This mom is often seen liking posts, but if you inadvertently offend her, she’s quick to ignore your updates. She’s vigilant, silently scrolling past your content while showering affection on others. Her absence of likes is a clear message—she’s not impressed.
- The Oprah “Liker”: This mom appears to be a champion of positivity, liking every post that crosses her feed. It makes one wonder if she even engages with the content she’s endorsing. In true Oprah fashion, she spreads thumbs up liberally, but does this frequency diminish the value of her approval? It’s a thought worth pondering.
- The TMI Oversharer: This mom provides an unfiltered peek into her life, sharing everything from her last leg shave to her current wine choice. Her constant updates include videos of her children and candid selfies, which can be both entertaining and cringe-worthy. While you appreciate her authenticity, you sometimes wish she’d save a bit of the drama for private conversations.
- The Mommy Blogger: This mom is on a mission to build her readership, and you may find yourself featured in her next blog post if you cross her. She stays updated on the latest parenting trends and debates, all while expressing her frustrations with Facebook’s algorithm that limits her audience. Ensuring her voice is heard is a challenge in this pay-to-play environment.
- The Mute Social Mom: Though you may be friends online, this mom rarely posts, if at all. She’s cautious about sharing too much and prefers to maintain a low profile. Perhaps she’ll become more active as her child grows older, but for now, she prioritizes her child’s digital privacy.
- The Grandmother: Embracing Facebook as a means to connect with her grandkids, this grandma is a prolific liker and sharer. She’s come to terms with the platform as her primary source of family updates and doesn’t always grasp the intricacies of privacy settings. If you try to hide something from her, good luck getting away with it!
As Facebook has transformed our interactions as mothers, we find ourselves navigating the unwritten rules of social media etiquette and connection anew. For further insights on the journey of motherhood, be sure to check out one of our other blog posts at this link. If you’re curious about boosting your fertility, Make a Mom offers valuable resources. Additionally, for an in-depth understanding of intrauterine insemination, visit Resolve.
In summary, Facebook is an evolving landscape for mothers, fostering unique experiences and interactions. Each mom contributes to the community in her own way, reflecting diverse parenting styles and social behaviors that enrich our collective journey.