Who Is To Blame? - Blog Posts

Spidey. Never say that again

Who is to blame?  It's an interesting question especially when there are multiple parties are involved.  On top of this is the "Scapegoat mentality" people have.  i.e.  If we can blame one person, then everyone else is in the clear.   But the answer to this is both simple and nuanced:  They are all to blame, but not equally.  

First is the Network.  Networks are responsible to make sure their content isn't dishonest or dangerous; that it isn't breaking the law or causing harm.  Many networks already have rules and regulations to guard against these problems, and can ban individuals or companies who break those rules.  Networks have a responsibility to keep their costumers/ viewers safe and they should be accountable if they didn't take or enforce precautions.  I'd say Networks have a Medium level of blame.  

Second, the Content Channel, Creators, or Content Farms have a very high level of blame, and should be accountable to both the networks and the viewers.  They are the source of the problem, and are directly responsible for the injury and harm they cause.  Even if they don't create the content themselves, they are still promoting it and have an equal share in the blame.   Networks on the other hand are only responsible if they didn't try to prevent hazardous content, or if they promoted it.  

Lastly, we have the viewers.   There is an old saying:  "Fool me once, shame on you.  Fool me twice, shame on me."   Most of the victims fall into this first part, and are often the young or unexperienced.  Unless a person was intentionally being stupid, you can't blame them for getting coned.   A thief is still responsible for their actions, regardless of how many precautions the victim makes.  

The Viewers have a very low amount of blame, but the do have a responsibility.  A responsibility to blow the whistle on these dishonest and dangerous content.  A network isn't all knowing, and it relies on heir viewers to help them find rule breakers.  Networks and victims will sue, but the rest of us can be the eyes in the sky.  Viewers can and should call out bad content, warn their neighbors, and hold these creators, channels, or even networks responsible for their actions.