The Ethics of Public Storytelling: When Consent Isn't Asked

Duty of Care - Was it a Breach of Trust?

A few weeks ago, I witnessed something that left me… unsettled.

While supporting a blind client during a community outing, he was approached—without any introductions or explanation—by strangers who began photographing him, asking personal questions, and filming him as he sang for what appeared to be a YouTube project.

It all happened so quickly. He wasn’t in any physical danger, so I hesitated—unsure whether to step in or let it unfold. Was it a spontaneous, feel-good moment… or something that deserved pause?

While I can’t say with certainty, it appears this may have been linked to a university project involving the Marketing Manager at my client’s residence—someone in a trusted leadership role.  Since the incident, I’ve received no response to my professional follow-up. The ongoing silence has only deepened my concern. I’ve also tried to locate a possible YouTube video connected to senior storytelling, but so far, I’ve had no luck.

My client and I reflected on the experience and agreed: even in public, people—especially those in vulnerable positions—deserve to be informed and respected.

Some younger voices, especially in Gen Z, have shared a different view—that consent isn’t necessary in public spaces. But when content is crafted for storytelling or branding, does public visibility justify personal exposure?

I’ve since learned this may have been part of a university marketing project. If that's true, it raises a deeper question: When you represent both a senior living community and an educational institution, where should your loyalty lie? On that day, the students came first.

But should they have?                                                

When I speak with seniors, they consistently say the same thing: it’s simply common courtesy to introduce yourself and ask permission—public space or not.

🗳️ POLL: Do you believe permission is still needed to photograph or film someone in a public space—especially when the content is used for marketing or storytelling?

• Yes — consent and context always matter

• Depends — especially if the subject is identifiable and less vulnerable

• No — public space means public visibility

• Not sure — curious to hear what others think