The psychology of camera observation: how the camera affects human behavior

Abstract

This paper explores the influence of an observational camera on human behavior, particularly in documentary films. Whether it is a surveillance camera that represents the eyes of an authority figure, or a camera with a human operator, the presence of an observer impacts our behavior. The paper hypothesizes that the presence of a camera activates the same pathway in the brain as when a person senses that they are being watched. The paper uses observations from several documentary films, reality television shows, and the author's documentary film as supporting evidence in exploring this concept.