It has been all over the news lately of a young mother in Mississippi walking into a local Walmart with a toddler dressed only a diaper in 20 degree weather.Ā Because a Walmart employee, who was rightfully fired from her job, filmed the situation and posted it on social media, the young mother lost all of children to the State of Mississippi; eventually being placed in the care of relatives! Not only that, it’s hard to understand why the police were called? The same police that the community fears. There is a reason corporations have rules against employees filming and posting on social media while on the clock; liability. I am trying to understand why Generations X, Y and Z are so quick to film and post situations on social media
Jackie Robinson | Hot and Mobile advocates for people to “Be Smarter Than Your Phone”! In this case, however, the phone was not the proper way to handle the situation with the mother and child. Instead why not have a kind heart and offer assistance that would have benefited the young family.
I wanted to know why young people are so quick to record and post everything.Ā So I ask AI a question. Here is the answer:
The trend of quickly capturing and sharing videos on social media, especially concerning situations like a mother and child not properly dressed in cold weather, can be attributed to various factors related to the behavior and preferences of Generations X, Y, and Z.
Instant Communication and Sharing Culture
These generations have grown up in an era of instant communication and sharing. Smartphones and social media platforms provide them with the tools to capture and broadcast moments in real-time. The desire for instant communication often drives them to share what they find interesting, shocking, or relevant.
Generations X, Y, and Z have grown up in an era dominated by social media. Sharing moments, both positive and negative, on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter has become a common way to connect with others and express oneself.
Digital Activism and Social Awareness
There is an increasing trend of using social media as a platform for activism and raising awareness about various issues. People may feel compelled to share videos that highlight situations they find concerning, such as a mother and child not properly dressed in cold weather. This can be seen as a form of digital activism, where individuals believe that sharing such content may lead to positive change or awareness.
Some individuals may view recording and sharing such incidents as a form of digital activism. By bringing attention to a situation, they might believe they are raising awareness and encouraging change.
Documentary Nature of Social Media
Social media platforms have become a documentary of people’s lives. Individuals often share aspects of their daily experiences, and sometimes this includes encounters with situations they find unusual or noteworthy. Capturing and sharing such moments becomes a way to contribute to the ongoing narrative of their lives.
Community Feedback and Validation
The instant feedback and validation received through likes, comments, and shares on social media can be a motivating factor. People may share videos in the hope of sparking discussions, receiving support, or creating awareness. The sense of community on social media can drive individuals to share content that aligns with their values or concerns.
Digital Empowerment
The availability of powerful smartphones and user-friendly apps empowers individuals to create and share content effortlessly. The combination of high-quality cameras, editing tools, and easy sharing options makes it convenient for people to express themselves through videos.
The behavior you describe may be influenced by several factors, and it’s important to note that not everyone within a generation acts the same way. However, there are some general trends and explanations for the observed behavior:
Bystander Effect:
The bystander effect is a phenomenon where individuals are less likely to offer help in a social situation when others are present. In a crowded public space, people may assume someone else will step in to assist, leading to inaction.
Fear of Confrontation:
Directly offering assistance to a stranger can be intimidating, and some individuals may fear a negative reaction or confrontation. Filming and reporting to authorities can be seen as a less confrontational way to address the situation.
Trust in Authorities:
There may be a belief that involving the police is the most appropriate course of action when witnessing a potentially unsafe situation. People may trust that law enforcement will assess the situation and take appropriate action.
Lack of Personal Connection:
In the digital age, people may feel more connected to their online communities than to the physical world around them. This can result in a preference for online actions, such as recording and posting, rather than direct, in-person involvement.
It’s essential to note that not everyone may share content for the same reasons, and motivations can vary widely among individuals. Additionally, the perspective on what is considered appropriate to share on social media may differ among different generations and individuals.,
