Why it’s time to stop filming strangers in public for social media thrills 

None of us has an absolute right to privacy in public, but whatever happened to respecting people’s basic dignity?

Filming at public events is commonplace but so is turning strangers into online content for the purposes of comedy. Picture: Noam Galai/Getty Images

Once, when I was younger and would dress somewhat outrageously, I caught a stranger recording me on his phone as I danced on the London underground on my way to a gay club. The video never surfaced online to my knowledge — perhaps he simply sent it to a group chat – but for months I looked over my shoulder when dancing.

Turning strangers into online content for the purposes of comedy and entertainment has become a global pastime. And we lap it up.