Meg Ireland, a parenting blogger, revealed private pregnancy images in a mother’s group on social media in 2014.
However, when her pregnancy images were taken and uploaded on a ‘preggophilia’ website – a porn website for ‘those who like pregnant women,’ the 25-year-old was exposed to the darker side of social media.
The ‘Shut Up Meg’ blogger from Sydney has now written about her experience in an attempt to raise awareness about the websites and encourage people to think carefully about what they put online.
‘That time my baby bump went viral in a bad manner.’ On Monday, Ms Ireland said on her Facebook page, “This bump pic, along with about 15 other pictures of mine, landed upon an online “preggophilia” site.”
‘I see so many people post their baby bump photos, and all I can do now is gasp and pray that they don’t end up in the hands of someone who shouldn’t have them.’
‘We shouldn’t have to be concerned about strangers stealing our images, but it occurs all the time!’
Ms. Ireland said she was scrolling through the god horrible site’ looking for the thread, and she described the heinous things she saw.
‘People who were sharing photos of their wives to other users, brother-in-law’s uploading photos of their sisters-in-law, and ladies uploading photos of their coworkers!!! The stunned blogger said, ‘I literally couldn’t believe what I was seeing.’
‘How could I be held responsible for this?’ People would argue that I should only blame myself for uploading “personal photos” and that it was entirely my fault (even though my profile was then private).
‘I have a different perspective. It didn’t matter to me that someone had screenshot my photo to show someone; it was what they did with my photo/s that made me physically ill.’
Ms. Ireland then questioned why people should have to “sit and worry” while submitting images on social media.
‘Please be wary of who follows or adds you. If they appear to be a creepy MF, block them,’ she said.
Ms. Ireland told the Daily Mail Australia that she first saw the photos six to eight months ago, after they were taken from an online mother’s group.
‘One of the females in the group was a phony, and she was using my photo to urge other women to submit images of their bellies so they could take them and put them on these weird sites,’ Ms. Ireland claimed.
‘After going through all of the horrific information to try and find it, I emailed the website… they pulled it down after I threatened legal action.’
‘All I want to do is raise awareness and make sure others are aware that there are people out there who are preying on pregnant ladies online.’
Several individuals have commented on Ms. Ireland’s experience, with some warning mothers not to share images and others agreeing with the blogger.
‘It’s a beautiful shot, but it’s so awful that sick individuals do that to other people’s photos!!’ One woman submitted a letter.
‘Is this even a thing?’ People, what the hell is going on? Preggophilia?’ Another was perplexed.
Others claimed Ms. Ireland’s ordeal was simply an unintended consequence of sharing images.
‘Well, you girls are going to post pictures like this for all 1000 of your friends and non-friends to view.’ What are your expectations? ‘Period [sic], keep personal images personal,’ a woman wrote.
‘When will people realize that posting a photo on social media gives you no control over it?’ What right do you have to be upset about where it ends up?! Honestly!’ Another concurred.
Ms. Ireland is aware that such things occur, but she merely wants to assist others who may be unaware of these websites.
‘I’m not 80, and I understand that people will say things like “that’s what she gets for sharing images,” and I agree… but this can happen to anyone,’ Ms Ireland said.
‘People’s spouses and brothers were sharing these photos… it could happen to anyone strolling down the street.’