Worldview: What’s a better capture, human eye or cell phone cam?

Are we missing something viewing the world through a shaky cell phone screen (AP Photo/file)

After Gawker reported on a video that showed bystanders at the Giant’s victory parade capturing a fight on their cell phones rather than breaking it up, 97.3 KIRO FM’s Ross and Burbank Show discussed whether we’re losing something viewing the world through a shaky cell phone screen.

“The question raised by the website Gawker is, have we become a society where we’re too obsessed with these devices and we basically, we experience our lives through this tiny little viewfinder on a camera phone more than through our own eyeballs,” said Burbank.

In the case of the two women fighting at the Giants parade, Burbank said had everyone not been reaching to hit record on their cell phone, it might have occurred to them to intervene.

“If you weren’t videotaping it, you’d probably be more inclined to step in,” said Burbank. “They’re fascinated by this event and they want to capture it, so they’re actually choosing to videotape the event over helping out.”

Listen to Ross and Burbank discussion: Human eye vs. cell cam

Dave Ross said at least one person grabbing for the camera could be excused, as video of an event can help keep record of what actually transpired.

“I would argue actually they’re performing a service,” said Ross. “But everybody doesn’t have to do that. Some people can videotape it and then the big, strong people in the crowd can put their cell phones down try to break it up, if it involves saving somebody from injury and then the videotapers can prove he did the right thing.”

Burbank said he’s even seen the cell-view takeover in events that used to be valued for the direct experience of the human eye, with cell cameras popping up from spectators at live performances.

“The concert I was at on Tuesday night, half of the crowd spent the entire GD concert with their stupid cell phones up in the air shakily videotaping this concert,” said Burbank. “I wanted them to put down their cameras and actually listen to the music for a sec.”

“You’ve paid that much for the concert you want something to show for it, instead of just a lame memory.
You want a shaky cell phone video,” said Ross.

“I want you to know Dave, that if Ron and Don try to beat you up. I’m going to videotape it and put it on YouTube and start a memorial fund for you,” said Burbank.

By JAMIE GRISWOLD, MyNorthwest.com Editor