Why Sharing Photos and Videos Does More Harm Than Good
In today’s fast-paced digital world, where nearly everyone has a smartphone at their fingertips, it has become alarmingly easy to capture and share moments with just a few taps. While this connectivity has its advantages, it also comes with serious ethical and emotional responsibilities—especially when it involves the dignity and privacy of others. One troubling trend is the sharing of videos or photos of individuals experiencing mental health emergencies. While some may justify this as a way to “get them help,” the potential for harm far outweighs any good that may come from such actions.
A Moment of Vulnerability
A mental health emergency—whether it’s a panic attack, psychotic episode, or suicidal crisis—is a profoundly vulnerable and private experience. For the individual experiencing it, the world may already feel overwhelming, unsafe, or incomprehensible. The act of capturing and disseminating these moments online only compounds their distress. Imagine facing one of the hardest moments of your life, only to have it broadcast for public consumption, with strangers passing judgment or making insensitive comments.
This lack of consent violates a person’s basic right to privacy and dignity. It’s not just unethical; it’s dehumanizing.
The Harm of Viral Exposure
The widespread sharing of someone’s mental health crisis can have far-reaching consequences:
- Increased Stigma: Mental health challenges are already stigmatized in many societies. Publicly exposing someone’s crisis reinforces negative stereotypes, making it harder for others to seek help for fear of judgment or humiliation. (Mental Health Foundation, 2022)
- Emotional Trauma: For the individual involved, knowing that their most vulnerable moment has been shared—sometimes even ridiculed—can lead to feelings of shame, embarrassment, and retraumatization. (American Psychological Association, 2021)
- Damage to Personal Relationships: Public exposure can strain relationships with family, friends, and employers, creating long-term ripple effects on the person’s social and professional life. (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2023)
- Legal and Ethical Concerns: Sharing someone’s image or story without their consent can have significant legal repercussions. In Antigua and Barbuda, the Electronic Crimes Act makes it an offense to share private information, including images or videos, without consent if it results in harm to the individual. Beyond legal implications, this act reflects the ethical responsibility to respect a person’s autonomy and dignity, particularly during their most vulnerable moments.
When Sharing Feels Like the Right Thing to Do
It’s understandable that, in a moment of urgency, some people may believe sharing a video or photo could help the person get the assistance they need. For instance, if someone is missing or in immediate danger, raising awareness might seem like the quickest way to mobilize support. However, this approach should always be a last resort and handled with extreme care.
Instead of sharing identifiable images or videos, consider these alternatives:
- Contact Emergency Services: If someone is in immediate danger, call the appropriate authorities. Trained professionals are better equipped to intervene. (World Health Organization, 2023)
- Protect Their Privacy: If a post must be made to help locate someone, avoid sharing detailed personal information, such as their face or name, unless absolutely necessary.
- Offer Immediate Support: If you’re present during the emergency, prioritize de-escalating the situation and providing comfort. Speak calmly, listen empathetically, and wait for professional help to arrive.
Fostering Empathy and Respect
As a society, we must shift our perspective on how we respond to mental health emergencies. These moments should inspire compassion, not spectacle. Imagine if the roles were reversed: How would you want others to treat you or your loved one during such a vulnerable time?
Every person deserves dignity, even when they’re struggling. By choosing not to share, we help protect their privacy and give them the space they need to heal without the additional burden of public scrutiny.
What You Can Do Instead
- Educate Yourself and Others: Spread awareness about the importance of privacy and respect during mental health crises. Conversations like these can create a ripple effect of understanding.
- Support Mental Health Advocacy: Advocate for better mental health resources and training, so more people know how to respond appropriately in emergencies.
- Report, Don’t Share: If you see harmful content online, report it to the platform. By doing so, you’re helping reduce the spread of stigma and protecting the individual involved.
A Message from WISH
At WISH, we believe in breaking the silence and shattering the stigma surrounding mental health in Antigua and Barbuda and beyond. Protecting the dignity and privacy of those experiencing a mental health crisis is a crucial part of this mission. Let us strive to be a community that uplifts, supports, and respects each other—even in our most vulnerable moments. Together, we can create a culture of empathy and healing, one choice at a time.