Logo
ScienceStack
Table of Contents
Fetching ...
Sign In

Avoiding Social Judgment, Seeking Privacy: Investigating why Mothers Shift from Facebook Groups to Large Language Models

Shayla Sharmin, Sadia Afrin

Abstract

Social media platforms, especially Facebook parenting groups, have long been used as informal support networks for mothers seeking advice and reassurance. However, growing concerns about social judgment, privacy exposure, and unreliable information are changing how mothers seek help. This exploratory mixed-method study examines why mothers are moving from Facebook parenting groups to large language models such as ChatGPT and Gemini. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of 109 mothers. Results show that 41.3% of participants avoided Facebook parenting groups because they expected judgment from others. This difference was statistically significant across location and family structure. Mothers living in their home country and those in joint families were more likely to avoid Facebook groups. Qualitative findings revealed three themes: social judgment and exposure, LLMs as safe and private spaces, and quick and structured support. Participants described LLMs as immediate, emotionally safe, and reliable alternatives that reduce social risk when asking for help. Rather than replacing human support, LLMs appear to fill emotional and practical gaps within existing support systems. These findings show a change in maternal digital support and highlight the need to design LLM systems that support both information and emotional safety.

Avoiding Social Judgment, Seeking Privacy: Investigating why Mothers Shift from Facebook Groups to Large Language Models

Abstract

Social media platforms, especially Facebook parenting groups, have long been used as informal support networks for mothers seeking advice and reassurance. However, growing concerns about social judgment, privacy exposure, and unreliable information are changing how mothers seek help. This exploratory mixed-method study examines why mothers are moving from Facebook parenting groups to large language models such as ChatGPT and Gemini. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of 109 mothers. Results show that 41.3% of participants avoided Facebook parenting groups because they expected judgment from others. This difference was statistically significant across location and family structure. Mothers living in their home country and those in joint families were more likely to avoid Facebook groups. Qualitative findings revealed three themes: social judgment and exposure, LLMs as safe and private spaces, and quick and structured support. Participants described LLMs as immediate, emotionally safe, and reliable alternatives that reduce social risk when asking for help. Rather than replacing human support, LLMs appear to fill emotional and practical gaps within existing support systems. These findings show a change in maternal digital support and highlight the need to design LLM systems that support both information and emotional safety.
Paper Structure (39 sections, 4 figures, 2 tables)

This paper contains 39 sections, 4 figures, 2 tables.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Related Work
  3. Theoretical Framework
  4. Judgment and Stigma in Maternal Help-Seeking
  5. Social Support Theory
  6. Cognitive Dissonance Theory
  7. Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)
  8. Motivated Information Management Theory (MIM)
  9. Online Communities and Parenting Support
  10. Mothers and LLMs
  11. Psychological Aspects of Technology Use in Parenting
  12. Ethical Considerations Surrounding LLMs
  13. Method
  14. Study Design
  15. Participants
  16. ...and 24 more sections

Figures (4)

  • Figure 1: Avoidance of Facebook Parenting Groups to Escape Mom-Shaming (N=109). Responses indicate whether participants avoid asking questions in Facebook parenting groups in favor of LLMs such as ChatGPT or Gemini.
  • Figure 2: (Left) Avoidance of Facebook Parenting Groups by Location. Responses are grouped by whether participants live in their home country (urban, rural, or suburban areas) or abroad. (Right) Avoidance of Facebook Parenting Groups by Family Structure. Responses are grouped by nuclear versus joint or extended family arrangements.
  • Figure 3: Comparative Word Cloud illustrating dominant deterrents in Facebook groups (left) and key motivators for adopting LLMs (right).
  • Figure 4: (From Facebook Group Avoidance to LLM-Based Help-Seeking