What Happens When You Go Viral? The Privacy Risks of Internet Fame

Going viral on the internet can seem like an exciting prospect. Having millions of people view, share and talk about something you created gives you instant fame and attention. However, with this fame comes significant risks to your privacy and reputation.

Here’s an overview of what can happen when you suddenly go viral online. 

Loss of Control Over Your Image and Information

Once something goes viral, it takes on a life of its own. You lose control over how people interpret and use your image, words or content. Parts of what you created or posted can be taken out of context, edited or remixed without your consent. Private details about you can be dug up and spread widely. Your photo, video or social media post can be shared and used in any number of ways, many of which you may strongly dislike.

Sudden Internet Fame Attracts Unwanted Attention

Becoming insta-famous will spur lots of attention your way, and not all of it may be positive. People you don’t know will try to connect with you online and in real life. You may receive unwanted messages and friend requests. More malicious individuals may try to hack your accounts or steal your identity. Obsessive “fans” may harass you or show up uninvited where you live and work. Your safety and mental health may be at risk.

Risk of Damaging Current and Future Reputation

Anything that gains viral traction on the internet leaves a permanent imprint. Even if you delete the original post or content, it continues to exist in some form through screenshots and copies. Viral moments you thought were funny or harmless at the time can come back years later to damage your reputation and career. What you intended as a one-time joke can be taken out of context as something more serious. You may lose job opportunities or relationships due to not realising the lasting impact of internet fame.

Minimising Privacy Risks When Something Goes Viral

While viral attention comes with risks, you can take steps to protect your privacy and reputation after sudden internet fame:

• Make social media accounts private and review privacy settings
• Avoid reading all comments and messages; have someone else filter them
• Issue clarifying statements if content is misinterpreted
• Politely ask for unauthorised uses of your image/content to be removed
• Seek support from those closest to you during stressful times
• Consider taking a break from social media until interest dies down

The Threat Viral Content Poses to Children

Children face amplified risks when they go viral, as they may not understand privacy settings and the permanence of online content. Kids also lack the maturity and resources to handle harassment or reputational damage. Yet social media apps and parental sharing raise the chances of child virality.

Platforms like kapshoo.com allow parents to share moments with loved ones without putting their children’s privacy at risk. Unlike other apps, Kapshoo keeps kids safe by giving parents total control over their child’s information.

Gaining viral fame online seems fun at first, but it can quickly spiral out of control. You may lose privacy, endure harassment and wreck your reputation. If something of yours goes viral, immediately check your privacy settings and issue clarifications as needed. Seek support from loved ones and consider taking a break from social media. With proper precautions, you can minimise the risks of your sudden internet fame.

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