Over the last decade, social media has evolved far beyond its original purpose, with vlog channels and day-in-the-life content captivating millions of viewers on platforms like YouTube and TikTok. As this trend grew, a new sub-genre emerged: Family Channels. Sweet and charming? Or sinister and exploitative? That’s up to you, the viewer, to decide.
Around 2010, family channels began appearing on YouTube, offering a curated glimpse into the everyday lives of parents and their children. One such channel, Eight Passengers, was started in 2015 by Ruby Franke, a mother who documented her life with her six children. With around 2.5 million subscribers, the channel painted the picture of a wholesome, all-American family. However, behind the scenes, the reality was much darker. Franke subjected her children to abuse, starvation, and neglect—all while maintaining the facade of a perfect Utah mom. The horrifying truth came to light when her 12-year-old son, severely malnourished and with duct tape covering open wounds, escaped and sought help from a neighbor. The incident led to the arrest and conviction of Franke and her associate, Jodie Hildebrandt, both of whom were sentenced to fifteen years in prison.
Cases like this expose the darker side of family vlogging and how they exploit their children for views and profit. This can cause some views to be concerned about the psychological impact it can have on children. Children featured on these channels often grow up with little privacy, their most personal moments are exploited for an audience. Some moments should stay private and not every detail of a person’s life should be shared. According to John Hopkins and anyone who understands the implications social media can have on mental health understands that prolonged social media use can cause depression, anxiety, and other disorders. But has anyone ever questioned what the impact could be on a child’s mental health if they are at the forefront on a social media platform? A constant stream of judgement and scrutiny from followers or scrollers can cause devestating effects as well.
Moreover, the lack of consent in many cases is troubling. Unlike child actors, who typically work under industry regulations, children in family vlogs rarely have legal protections or financial safeguards in place. Parents control the content, the income, and the narrative, often prioritizing engagement over their child’s well-being. This loss of autonomy can lead to resentment, identity struggles, and difficulty forming healthy relationships later in life.
As a society, we must recognize that life in front of the camera and life behind it are often vastly different. While these channels may offer entertainment, they also raise questions about consent, exploitation, and the long-term effects on the children involved. Family vlogging may seem harmless, but its consequences can be devastating, robbing children of their privacy, mental health, and a childhood filled with normalcy.
