Article by Kotie Geldenhuys
Photos courtesy of Unsplash; FreePik & Pexels
When livestreaming first appeared on the Internet, it was hailed as a revolutionary way to connect people. The idea was simple: anyone, anywhere, could share their experiences with the world, allowing others to witness events they might never have had the chance to see in person. It aimed to bridge distances, bring far-off places and happenings into the palms of our hands. For those unable to attend a concert, watch a game or join a protest, livestreaming offered a chance to be part of the moment, no matter where they were. At first, this vision seemed revolutionary as the possibilities were endless and the world appeared more connected than ever before. But as livestreaming grew more popular, a darker side began to emerge. The same tool that could livestream joy and excitement could also deliver something far more sinister as it showed its power to harm. While livestreaming gave a platform to celebrations, it also gave a raw and unfiltered platform to showcase violence, hate and chaos.
******************************
[This is only an extract of an article that is published in Servamus: October 2024. This article is available for purchase.]