It has been years now since we started recording and broadcasting our lives online via Twitter, Facebook and Snapchat; but there is just something that is so much more exciting about a live-stream.
Live events are so much more titillating and exciting than non-live ones. Remember when NBC decided to air “The Sound of Music Live?” That was a ratings goldmine. Or what about the recent airing of “Grease the Musical Live” – same thing – ratings bonanza. What is it that you think makes these debuts so popular among the masses? Do you really think that there are that many people into the leather jacket wearing, slicked back T-birds, or the almost 3 hour long musical “The Sound of Music?” Perhaps, but I believe it had more to do with the faded “Live” icon on the bottom right-hand side of the screen.
It is the fact that something could go wrong at any given moment. That mere opportunity to witness live some sort of historical event – that gets people excited about live-streaming. That is why we watch a tight roper cross between skyscrapers, right – because there is a chance that he could fall? As narcissistic as it may seem, it is the truth. There is something about the anticipation that comes from watching an event unfold live, before your eyes, that draws in the crowds and that takes us from viewer to participate.
Live television streaming has brought us much excitement, that is a fact; but what else has it brought us and what else can we look forward to it delivering? Here are 6 ways that live online streaming has changed our lives – arguably for the better.
Sports
There is much to be gained from live sports streaming. Ever wondered what goes on in the outfield just before a critical play in a major league baseball game? Live sports streaming will allow you to check out left field, center field, the coach… you name it. You are unlikely to be able to get this from ESPN or any other major network live sports channel, but online streaming channels like beIN sports in integration with YipTV, will allow you to do just that.
Being able to get a closer look at the players, how they react in certain situations and how they handle stressful moments in the game will inevitably transform sports into more of a science than an art. For the viewers, this means watching and understanding the game like we have never before been able to.
Politics
Live-streaming could eventually result in an age of accountability for politics in our society. Though networks like C-SPAN does a good job of providing inside glimpses of the events that take place on the congressional floor, we are left with the uncertainty of what is going on inside the fundraisers, committees and backdoor deals. Live-streaming has afforded us such a luxury. In the future, I think that we can look forward to live-streaming lets us in on the top-secret crusades that go on at lobbying meetings, bill-writing sessions and even during constituent interaction.
Think about it – with all eyes and ears of politicians, the likelihood of eliminating corruption is highly possible. What if one day politicians who do not live-stream around the clock are not trusted? How great would that be? A visually transparent democracy. Totally possible, thanks to live-streaming.
This might sound far-fetched and perhaps it is, but let us not forget that we are being watched around the clock. Every email we send; phone call we make – our lives are on display to the public as well.
Policing
With police brutality, or police violence (whichever you want to call it) on the rise, body cameras are becoming a serious topic of discussion. With regards to policing, officers having to wear body cameras while on duty would mean a total change in the way that incidents are viewed. For instead of reviewing footage from dash cams after the fact, the sergeants would then be able to witness the approach of potentially dangerous encounters as they are occurring.
Can you imagine the difference it would make if a secondary team were able to be watching live as events unfolded? It could be revolutionary. Not only that, but it could save a lot of lives. These cameras would result in police interactions that were more analytical, as opposed to confrontational. Not only would this give officers added peace of mind in knowing that they have a backup, but it could also reduce violence against officers if suspects feel as though there are other officers on standby watching – waiting.
Journalism
The reality of citizen journalism is in our very near future. Though already integrated within news organizations here and there, an apex where the individual has the same power of recording as a CNN journalist is just around the corner.
Already we can watch as uprisings, marches, celebrations and tragedies take place, but not until our local or national news airs the videos sent in from bystanders or citizen journalists. Soon enough there will be a place where citizens can stream live videos, as the action is unfolding, for the benefit of the viewer at home who would rather not wait for editing and cherry picking.
Behavior Modification
It is hard to overlook the changes in behavior that we have already seen thanks to live television streaming. As live-streaming continues to gain popularity, we can expect additional behavior modifications among the masses.
What lengths will someone go to in order to appease their audience? What will they do in order to gain followers? How far will they push themselves and the limits of sanity? Who knows? Only time will tell.
Education
Though there is still some skepticism that surrounds online education, it is slowly gaining popularity and respect among critics. One of the main criticisms that go along with doubting online education is that students are not able to interact with their professors.
Thanks to live-streaming, this is no longer a real issue. Now professors can interact with students on demand – be it during “class” or afterhours, the door will always remain open at educational channels. Online education can and has benefited immensely from live-streaming capabilities, in that students are now able to ask questions in real time; which ultimately makes them feel like a real student and not an outsider.
Online live-streaming has already changed our lives so much and do not think that it is nearly through yet. Video and Web technology are two areas that are constantly growing, innovating and collaborating. As things change with regards to online streaming, we will change – the world will change. Some changes might be extreme and some benign, it is hard to predict. We will just have to wait and see.
How has live-streaming impacted your life? Please share, we would love to hear your story!