A mother from Texas, Kiely Branch, is raising four kids under five and expecting a fifth, while documenting her family life on social media. Like many parents, Branch shares the ups and downs, as well as funny moments, online.
Sharing about family life online, or “sharenting,” is common, with 77% of U.S. parents engaging in it according to a 2021 Security.org survey. However, one TikTok post of Branch’s 4-year-old daughter unexpectedly triggered a flood of messages advising her to seek medical help.
The post wasn’t gaining much attention initially, leading Branch to consider removing it. She found the next morning, however, that it had gone viral due to people commenting on her daughter’s eyebrows. Individuals were advising her to check for a genetic condition due to the appearance of her daughter’s eyebrows.
Many urged Branch to consult a pediatrician regarding a condition known as Sanfilippo syndrome, thought to be indicated by her daughter’s full, dark eyebrows. Sanfilippo syndrome is a rare genetic disorder affecting sugar molecule breakdown, often leading to brain and nervous system damage. Symptoms start in early childhood, including developmental delays, speech issues, and behavior changes. While some affected children may have prominent eyebrows, eyebrows alone are not a definitive sign.
Branch was surprised by the online reactions. Her daughter’s eyebrow fullness is common in their family, both parents have naturally thick eyebrows. Despite initial doubts, Branch checked into Sanfilippo syndrome, finding no matching symptoms in her daughter beyond eyebrows. Her daughter had no developmental or health concerns typically associated with the disorder.
Branch dismisses the idea of a disorder based on social media assumptions. She reflects humorously on the situation, imagining reporting such concerns to a doctor solely based on online comments. As the comments grew more forceful, accusing neglect for not seeking medical advice, Branch became frustrated though the whole ordeal provided a rare online experience.
Branch comments on the peculiarity, and sometimes humor, of strangers analyzing her daughter from photos. It’s proven an unusual interaction with the internet community for her.