7 things you could do instead of filming a tragic incident

In an era where technology allows people to watch, film, and share anything they want via their mobile phones, tragedies are often transformed into spectacle events viewed by millions online.

When it comes to Arab and Gulf countries, including the UAE, we've seen footage capturing tragic events go viral time and again.

The main attribute that contributes to this virality is the fact that people are viewing and sharing those often horrific images and videos online, which is in many ways just as harmful to the suffering parties as filming it in the first place.

Whether it's a car accident, fire, or a fight, many have come to think less about the privacy of victims or what can actually be done constructively to help them out and more about filming them using cellphone cameras.

In so many of these incidents, a second can mean the difference between life and death. It's crucial that people take positive action rather than choose to film and unethically share as well as watch those videos on social media.

What can be done instead? Here are a few ideas:

If you can pull out your phone to film an incident, then you certainly have the strength and ability to report it to the authorities or call paramedics if a situation calls for that.

"Instead of standing there filming, go lend a helping hand to this expat."

In some cases, and especially when it comes to car accidents or events involving injury, it isn't recommended to move victims until paramedics arrive. The same goes for buildings that may have caught a fire, people are advised to not enter the building, if that situation arises, and instead call emergency services.

However, that doesn't give anyone who's at the scene the right to film casualties or their surroundings. Instead, check if you can talk to victims or try to support them and help keep them calm while emergency services arrive.

Instead of reaching out to your phone in order to film an incident, reach out to those around you who might be capturing images and videos, and ask them how they would feel if they were in the victims' position.

Also, if you know people who are entertained by watching and sharing videos or images of traumatizing and disturbing incidents online, advise them not to do so as it only further contributes to the victim's suffering.

"Why are there people who are so insensitive? If you can't do anything to help out... don't film." 

If you feel you can do nothing to help in a situation unfolding in front you, walk away instead of pulling out your phone to film it. The least you can do is respect the victim's privacy.

If you're standing at the scene of an accident or any other dangerous incident, you might very well be blocking the way for officials, ambulances, and paramedics who urgently need to be at the scene. 

Before you decide to film and share any situation, think of whether you're standing in the way of a rescue mission that can help get people out of trouble or save the life of someone who's injured.

If you're still present at the scene when paramedics or officials arrive, follow their instructions and do everything that is asked of you. 

The most crucial thing to do is to take a second to think before you film, share or even watch a video of someone who is vulnerable and perhaps suffering.

Ask yourself what you would have wanted if you were in their shoes, the answer will surely be enough to make you reconsider your initial reaction to a tragic situation.

The time we live in now is a strange one. A time governed by social media. A time where people are consumed by getting likes, shares, and fans in pursuit of making their social media profiles more interesting.

Unfortunately, this has led to a trend and a pattern of behavior that is irresponsible and shocking. In order to boost their online presence, people have started posting videos and photos of accidents, fights, and other unfortunate incidents, online.

We therefore urge you, the next time you chance upon someone who is in an unfortunate situation, however big or small, ask yourself first, if it was your pain, would you share it? #PostWisely