A Picture is Worth 1,000 Words: What's Yours Saying?

SnapChat is the newest, and scariest, photo sharing option

In an age where smart phones or wi-fi devices are practically an extension of our dominant hand, there's something that's starting to scare me.

Pictures.

Trust me, I'm as knee-deep in this stuff as you are.  What's not to love about online albums and instant sharing with family and friends.  Somewhere in this, we've forgotten an age old proverb that I fear is ringing true louder than ever.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words.

Our pictures speak about who we are and what we value.  Sure, I can appreciate the artistic value and the need for someone to express themselves, but remember, your art is a reflection on the artist.

The Evolution of the Dangerous Photo

It didn't take people long to figure out that an online photo of someone at a drunken party or even with someone who had been to a party or making out, etc. was not a positive thing.  Despite the awkwardness of facing friends and family, several reminded us that employers were checking these things.

So it evolved.

Different programs (Facebook-->Twitter-->Instagram-->More!).  Hidden accounts.

Same pictures.  Same online permanence.

Teens quickly figured out sexting and an added layer of privacy was added to it.  Little do most sexters know that they are committing a punishable offense.  Telling that to a few slowed that down.

So it evolved.

Enter SnapChat.  This new app allows photos to be shared and in a matter of moments the image is deleted instantly.  Want to save a copy?  With minimal effort your photo can be snatched and then shared in whatever manner you'd like.  Their considerate though.  It notifies you if someone saved your picture.

I understand that much of it is innocent; however, I can't help but recognize the insanely high amount of temptation and power we are placing in young people's hands.

So What Do We Do?

With the rate at which technology is progressing and adapting, parents must give up trying to outlaw anything potentially dangerous.  If you build a wall, teens WILL figure out how to climb it.  But what we can do is have honest, hard, heart-shaping conversations.

Teens must understand what their self-taken photos or photos they end up in say about them.  They have to understand that technology can take away their right to define themselves.  They must be valued by you as parents so much that they aren't looking for value in the wrong places from the wrong people.

I guess a picture might say it best...