Australians watch a ton of TV and streaming videos, mostly for entertainment. Yesterday I watched Rising Phoenix, an uplifting doco on the Paralympic Games.
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Young people are more likely to watch short videos on YouTube, TikTok or similar platforms. I recently watched a YouTube video of the Talking Heads energetically performing Burning Down the House.
Nowadays, video has many more uses than entertainment. Much education is provided over video in this year of the plague. Many work meetings are on video now. These uses of video may not decrease much if we ever get past the virus, because the convenience of video interactions usually outweighs the various psychological benefits of face-to-face educational and work activities.
When we use a cell phone to talk with a family member or friend on video, we help maintain relations.
Video sometimes contributes to huge social movements, as when police officers in the US are recorded murdering or trying to murder dark-skinned citizens the officers are sworn to protect. I imagine that officer-worn cameras have prevented a number of beatings and killings there.
Closed-circuit cameras often contribute to catching violent criminals, like the man who murdered Jill Meagher in Melbourne. In some countries, the cameras serve a second purpose of helping the government suppress dissent.
I would like to say that video helps reduce war by showing its horrors, but governments that engage in war typically suppress video showing killing and maiming.
What has made video omnipresent in life? Most importantly, video (with sound) is similar to being present in person, but is much more convenient. Some video has the option of anytime viewing.
Seeing and hearing are our most valuable senses. With video, we get to use them. We lose smell and taste though - no big deal in the short run. With video we also lose the sense of touch. That loss is unfortunate because touching others helps us feel that we belong. In-person interactions will continue to have appeal mostly because of the opportunities to have physical contact with others. A hug, a pat on the back, a high-five: Most of us need these experiences in order to thrive. Babies, children, adults - almost all of us benefit from touching others.
Use video whenever it aids you, but make sure you touch others now and then. Take a moment each time to savour the experience.
John Malouff is an Associate Professor at the School of Psychology, University of New England.
