Most surveillance is done with discretion, both in the process of taking the photographs as well as the distribution of them. For instance, the surveillance tapes of stores are generally used only in prevention and punishment of crimes. Having—generally—the same goal of prevention and punishment, governmental surveillance is not distributed to those who do not “need-to-know.”
However, the paparazzi are a unique example of a surveillance type. With the paparazzi, discretion after the image is taken is virtually non-existent. The pictures are purposeless if they are not disseminated. Massive dissemination has led to the creation of tabloids—publishing units with dedication to simultaneously making a mockery of the photographic medium and avant-garde journalism.
With regards to sensationalism in the media, the paparazzi are the leading force behind our hedonistic view of “world news.” In this sense, paparazzi act as catalysts in the photo-surveillance realm that arguably affect the viewed as much as those who are viewing.
As I see it, the tabloid have played a tremendous role in Western culture’s emphasis on instant gratification and easy absorption of information while also turning it away from details, evidence, and depth of knowledge. With the recent phenomenon of twitter, the country is relying more and more on one-liners that use catchy or dramatic phrases to grab the attention of its “readers”—if that is what they truly can be called.
By repetitive viewing, we have created a demand for yellow journalism that only stifles itself when we contradict our instincts and turn away from The Enquirer, turn off TMZ, and opt for “legitimate” news.
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