Sheikh Sahira Maqbool
Introduction: The rapid growth of social media has transformed the way people communicate, share experiences, and express themselves. Platforms such as Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok encourage users to post photos and videos regularly. Snapchat, in particular, rewards frequent activity through its “Snap Score,” which increases as users send and receive snaps. While this feature may seem harmless and entertaining, it has created an unhealthy obsession among many users. In the race to increase Snap Scores, gain followers, and collect views, many people have forgotten one of the most important values of a civilized society—respect for the privacy of others. Today, it has become common to see individuals recording videos everywhere they go. Hospitals, banks, parks, shopping malls, schools, colleges, airports, railway stations, restaurants, buses, footpaths, and even places of worship have become locations for creating social media content. Unfortunately, these videos often include strangers who have never given their permission to be photographed or recorded. Their images are uploaded publicly and become accessible to hundreds or even thousands of people online. This trend raises serious ethical, social, and legal concerns.
Understanding The Right To Privacy: Privacy is a fundamental human right. Every individual has the right to decide when, where, and how their personal image, identity, or activities are shared with others. Although public places are open to everyone, being present in a public space does not mean a person has surrendered their right to dignity or personal privacy. Most people visiting hospitals, banks, or government offices are there to complete important or sensitive tasks. They are not expecting to become part of someone else’s Snapchat story or Instagram reel. Recording them without consent is disrespectful and can make them feel embarrassed, uncomfortable, or even unsafe.
Hospitals| The Most Sensitive Place For Privacy: Hospitals are places where people seek medical care during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Patients may be suffering from serious illnesses, recovering from surgery, dealing with emotional stress, or receiving emergency treatment. Families visiting sick relatives are often worried and emotionally exhausted. Yet many social media users casually record videos in hospital corridors, waiting rooms, wards, and cafeterias. These videos frequently capture patients, doctors, nurses, and attendants without their permission. Some creators even film emergency situations simply because they believe such content attracts more attention online. Such behaviour is highly insensitive. A patient’s medical condition is private, and exposing their identity can lead to emotional distress, social embarrassment, and a loss of dignity. Hospitals should remain places of care, compassion, and confidentiality—not locations for creating viral content.
Banks| Privacy, Financial Security: Banks deal with highly confidential financial information. Customers visit banks to withdraw money, deposit cash, submit important documents, or discuss personal financial matters. Recording videos inside banks can accidentally expose customers’ faces, account details, transaction slips, cheque books, ATM PIN entry, or security arrangements. This not only violates customer privacy but can also increase the risk of identity theft, financial fraud, and cybercrime. Even if the intention is simply to increase a Snap Score, the consequences can be severe for innocent individuals.
Parks, Public Spaces: Many people assume that recording videos in parks or on streets is completely acceptable because these are public places. However, people visit parks to relax, exercise, spend time with family, or enjoy nature. Children play freely while elderly people take walks. Couples, students, and families value these moments as personal experiences. When someone records videos for social media, strangers often appear in the background without realizing it. Their faces are uploaded online, sometimes attracting unwanted comments or attention. Women and children are especially vulnerable to misuse of such images. Similarly, people walking on footpaths or travelling by public transport should not have to worry about appearing in a stranger’s social media post simply because someone wants more views or a higher Snap Score.
“Popularity is temporary; privacy damage is permanent. True digital citizenship values people over views and respect over followers.”
Schools, Colleges, Educational Institutions: Educational institutions have also become popular locations for creating social media content. Students frequently record classmates, teachers, classrooms, or school events without permission. These videos may spread rapidly across different platforms. Such behaviour can result in bullying, online harassment, embarrassment, and mental stress for students who never wanted to be featured publicly. Educational institutions should encourage responsible digital behaviour and teach students to respect one another’s privacy.
The Psychological Impact On Victims: Many people experience anxiety when they discover that their photographs or videos have been shared online without permission. Some feel embarrassed, while others fear being judged by friends, relatives, or employers. Victims may constantly worry that their images are circulating on the internet without their control. For people recovering from illness, facing financial problems, or experiencing emotional difficulties, this unwanted exposure can become an additional source of stress. Children are particularly vulnerable because they cannot always understand or consent to being recorded. Once an image is uploaded, it can be copied, shared, edited, or misused in countless ways.
Ethical Responsibility Of Social Media Users: Social media offers countless opportunities to connect with others and express creativity. However, freedom comes with responsibility. Every user should ask themselves a few important questions before recording or uploading content:
- Have I obtained permission from the people visible in this video?
- Would I feel comfortable if someone uploaded my image without asking me?
- Could this post embarrass, harm, or invade someone’s privacy?
- Is gaining a few more views or increasing my Snap Score worth violating another person’s dignity?
If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” then the content should not be posted.
Legal Aspects: Many countries, including India, recognize privacy as an important legal right. Recording and sharing someone’s image without consent may lead to legal consequences, especially when the content causes harassment, defamation, or misuse of personal information. Hospitals, banks, and government offices often have rules restricting photography and videography because they handle confidential information. Ignoring these rules can result in disciplinary action, removal from the premises, or legal proceedings in certain situations.
How We Can Protect Privacy: Protecting privacy is a shared responsibility. Social media users should avoid filming strangers unnecessarily and should seek permission before posting identifiable images of others. Schools and colleges should educate students about digital ethics and responsible online behaviour. Hospitals, banks, and public institutions should display clear signs restricting unauthorized photography and enforce privacy policies. Parents should also teach children to respect other people’s personal space and online rights. Social media platforms can contribute by promoting privacy awareness, encouraging consent-based sharing, and providing easy tools to report content that violates privacy.
Conclusion: Technology has made it easier than ever to capture and share moments instantly. However, convenience should never replace compassion or respect. The obsession with increasing Snap Scores, gaining followers, or becoming temporarily popular on social media has led many people to overlook the importance of privacy and human dignity. Every photograph or video posted online has the potential to affect someone’s life. Before pressing the “Upload” button, we should remember that the people appearing in our videos are not just background objects—they are human beings with emotions, rights, and personal lives. A Snap Score can always increase tomorrow, but once someone’s privacy has been violated, the damage may be permanent. Responsible social media use means understanding that popularity should never come at the expense of another person’s dignity. True digital citizenship is measured not by the number of views or followers we have, but by the respect we show to the people around us. Privacy is not a privilege—it is a fundamental human right. Every click should respect that right.
(The author is a teacher at Shemstar international school Qazigund, Kashmir. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
