Why photojournalists may make a conflict worse (football hooligans)

Photojournalists can sometimes make situations like football hooligan fights worse without meaning to.
Here’s why:
• 1. Showing Off for the Cameras
  When hooligans see journalists with cameras, they might act even crazier to get noticed. They want to be seen on TV, in newspapers, or online. It’s like they’re performing for attention.
• 2. Making It Look Bigger Than It Is
  Journalists focus on the most extreme and violent moments because that’s what gets views and clicks. But this can make it look like hooliganism is happening everywhere and that all fans are violent, even if most aren’t.
• 3. Encouraging Copycats
  If people see wild fights or vandalism getting attention, some might think, “Hey, I wanna do that too!” It can inspire others to act out just to get their 15 seconds of fame.
• 4. Stirring Up Rivalries
  Photos of one group fighting another can make things worse. Rival fans might see the images and feel like they need to “get revenge” or show they’re tougher.
• 5. Making People More Aggressive
  Sometimes, when people know they’re being filmed, they act differently. They might fight harder to “look cool” or because they don’t want to look weak in front of the camera.
• 6. Getting in the Way
  Journalists trying to get the best shot can get in the way of police or security. This can make it harder to control the crowd or calm things down.
• 7. Drama Sells
  The media loves drama because it grabs attention. So, they’ll focus on the fights, smashed windows, and chaos rather than the fact that most fans are just enjoying the game. This can make the whole situation seem worse than it really is.