Livestreaming from the Perspective of Bystanders: A New Social Media Trend in Crisis Situations

Amidst the chaos of a tense standoff in Charlotte, North Carolina, Saing Chhoeun found himself locked out of his home, forced to witness the unfolding events from his yard. As law enforcement officials confronted a suspect, exchanging gunfire just feet away, Chhoeun instinctively reached for his phone and began livestreaming the dramatic scene.

What ensued was a tragic event resulting in multiple fatalities, shedding light on a growing phenomenon: bystanders, armed with smartphones, choosing to document rather than flee when faced with danger. This trend reflects the evolving role of individuals in crisis situations in the digital age.

Karen North, a professor specializing in digital social media, notes the shift in societal norms, stating that bystanders now feel compelled to record events rather than intervene physically. This inclination towards documenting reflects a newfound responsibility in the digital era – to capture and share what unfolds in real-time.

Chhoeun’s decision to livestream was born out of necessity, as he found himself stranded outside his home. Despite the risk to his own safety, he recognized the opportunity to provide a firsthand account of the situation. Similarly, Rissa Reign, drawn outside by the commotion, saw livestreaming as a means to inform her community in real-time.

Mary Angela Bock, a media professor, acknowledges the various motivations behind livestreaming, ranging from a fascination with violence to a desire for accountability and transparency. She emphasizes the importance of multiple perspectives in understanding complex events, highlighting the role of citizen-generated content in complementing official accounts.

While the act of livestreaming may offer a sense of connection and control in the midst of chaos, it also raises questions about safety and ethical considerations. Stephen Dubovsky, a psychiatry professor, suggests that livestreaming provides a degree of detachment for individuals facing perilous situations, offering a buffer between the observer and the events unfolding.

In the aftermath of the Charlotte standoff, as the community grapples with the tragedy, the role of bystanders and their use of social media remain topics of discussion. As technology continues to shape our interactions with the world around us, the phenomenon of livestreaming in crisis situations underscores the complex interplay between technology, ethics, and human behavior.