When I first saw the now-viral Kiss Cam video on social media, I had the same reaction many did—it felt like one of those “gotcha” moments that quickly take over TikTok or Instagram. But when I saw it covered by CNN and The Guardian, something felt off. Why were major news outlets reporting on this like it was breaking news? This wasn’t global affairs or political unrest. This was a video of two professionals caught off guard—allegedly having an affair—broadcast without consent and shared across the world.
And I couldn’t stop thinking: why are we so fascinated by this kind of content? More than that, why does it bother me so much?
It’s not just the affair that drew people in. It’s the exposure. The downfall. The shame. And suddenly, everyone becomes a judge. I saw comments calling out the man, the woman, the situation, and the ethics. Some said, “They got what they deserved.” Others joked or criticized. But very few asked why they felt the need to weigh in at all.
Why are we so drawn to the downfall of others?
Maybe because we all live with our own shortcomings. We know the things in our life that are hidden—the fears, insecurities, or mistakes. And when someone else’s life explodes publicly, it offers a strange kind of comfort. A reminder: I’m not the only one messing up. But that kind of comfort comes at someone else’s expense.
It’s a dangerous exchange.
Where’s the line between justice and judgment?
We say we care about the truth. We say we hate deception. But if we’re honest, that wasn’t the motivation behind the person who filmed and posted that video. I don’t think so.
Did she do it out of concern for someone being wronged? Did she do it for content? For engagement? For visibility? You might see through the intent in her own joking caption: “Don’t sue me!”
At best, it was thoughtless. At worst, it was a selfish move that prioritized attention over accountability.
The bottom line? It wasn’t hers to expose.
If that had been a close friend witnessing a betrayal, then yes, perhaps they have a responsibility to say something. But this wasn’t that. This was someone choosing virality over dignity.
And I don’t believe that’s justice. That’s judgment.
“Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone.” (John 8:7)
We’re often quick to shout about what’s “right” without first checking our intent. We confuse justice with exposure. But true justice isn’t about shaming someone into accountability, it’s about restoring what’s been broken. And there’s no restoration here. Just likes, views, and headlines.
Words matter. Intent matters. And so do boundaries.
We forget how powerful our actions online can be. A post can ruin a life. A video can cost someone their family, career, or reputation. And all for what? A few million views?
It’s worth asking: Is this mine to share? Is this mine to judge?
If the answer is no, then maybe it’s time to put the phone down and pray instead, for the people involved, for wisdom in our own actions, and for discernment in a world that rewards exposure over empathy.
Think fresh,
Helen
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P.S.
Perhaps I’m being judgmental myself, about the person who posted the video. That’s something I’ve been reflecting on too. It’s easy to assume we know someone’s motives, but the truth is, we don’t. And maybe that’s the whole point—why we all need a little more grace, both for others and for ourselves. What do you think?
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