When Mike first got a record deal, we had a long discussion about privacy and what we felt was right for us and our families. Before I go on, let me repeat that we were making a decision for what is right for ourselves and our families. I have many friends who choose to share much, much more about their private lives and I think that is great for them. Mike and I decided that he was choosing a career that meant he would have less privacy. By marrying him (and by choosing to become an author) that meant I was agreeing to less privacy as well. But our families, friends and children did not make that choice. Mike and I purposefully try to protect the privacy of our loved ones by choosing to not post photos or information about them. It's partially for safety and security reasons, but a big part of it is respecting each individuals' right to have privacy. I have seen a lot of photos up online that were never meant to be shared publicly. Some of these moments were shared on Facebook or private Instagram feeds. You know. Like you do. Christmas, Thanksgiving, birthday parties. They were meant to be shared to friends. Family. People who know each other personally. Then BAM! I will see one of these photos posted on social media by a stranger. For the most part, I ignore it when it happens. This is the internet, pictures are going to be out there. But I realized that most strangers are sharing private photos of us do so innocently. They have found a rare photo depicting a part of our life that is usually not shown and they are excited. I completely understand. Today I decided to post in the comments of one of the photos that I saw up. The person who put it up immediately took it down. Big respect to them for that. As a side note, there are also the ones who are not doing it innocently. People have actually hacked into accounts of friends of ours to nab photos. Either way, with this post I hope it clears up to everyone why we choose to keep a precious part of our life private. And if you come across a picture that feels like it's not for you - regardless or who it is in it- please think twice before sharing it. Thanks.
A photo posted by Anna Shinoda (@annashinoda) on
