Highlights
Live streamers face an increasing risk of violence when streaming in public, as demonstrated by South Korean Kick streamer Girit's recent assault in Thailand.
Content creators are at risk from criminals who view them as easy prey due to the presence of cameras and interactions with viewers. This incident underscores the significance of acquiring consent and exercising caution when filming in public, as certain individuals may react hostilely towards being recorded.
Content creators who engage in live streaming have increasingly become targets of violence, as seen in the recent assault on Kick streamer Girit during his trip to Thailand. This unfortunate trend is affecting a growing number of individuals, such as Twitch streamer Jinnytty who recently encountered pickpockets. The vulnerable nature of IRL creators, with their camera in hand and their focus on interacting with viewers, makes them easy targets for minor criminals in public settings.
Numerous shocking incidents have been captured live on stream, revealing instances where IRL streamers are subjected to outright violence. Some individuals display an immediate hostility towards streamers or fear being recorded on camera. These content creators have endured harassment, prolonged stalking, and even physical assaults. Girit, a South Korean Kick streamer, faced such unfortunate circumstances while journeying through Thailand alongside Ice Poseidon and a few companions.
The footage capturing the incident is now circulating on various social media platforms, including YouTube, but it may contain graphic content that could be disturbing for certain viewers. While strolling along a beach in Bangkok, Girit found himself encountering an individual wearing an orange shirt who appeared concerned about being filmed without permission. The Kick streamer swiftly reassured the stranger that he had not been captured on camera, yet the man responded angrily, hurling profanities and gesturing for Girit to depart. In response, the content creator exchanged equally heated words before eventually walking away and discontinuing the interaction.
After summoning Girit, the stranger and he stood face to face in a confrontational manner. Suddenly, another man dressed in blue delivered a punch to the Kick streamer's face. Girit turned his gaze away, removing his glasses just moments before the man in orange landed a second punch. Consequently, the content creator's nose began to bleed, leaving him unsure of how to proceed. A fellow streamer approached, urging him to leave the situation as it was not worth further confrontation.
The police were called, who then took Girit and the two assailants to the police station. Following the authorities' order, the streamer switched off his camera, but continued to record audio. Overhearing their conversation, it appeared that the local men were released without facing any consequences. However, it was discovered that the Thai police intended to impose a fine on Girit for filming in public. Undeterred by the incident, the content creator resumed streaming the very next day, seemingly in a positive state of mind.
Filming in public requires considering people's reactions to being recorded without permission. While live streaming on platforms like Twitch or Kick may not typically be seen as hazardous, recent incidents have highlighted the importance of this aspect. In general, individuals may not be greatly disturbed and might politely request the content creator to adjust their camera. Nevertheless, it is expected that hostile reactions will be rare occurrences.