“Don’t Help, Just Keep Filming”: 30 Times People Should Have Helped Someone In Trouble
InterviewNow that many of us have lived with a smartphone in our pocket for years, we tend to have a reflex to film or photograph anything that strikes our fancy. For better or worse, this also means documenting disasters, fails, and other events that would feel a lot worse if they happened to us.
The “Don't help, just keep filming” online group exists to document all those hilarious moments when someone needed assistance, but onlookers decided to, instead, immortalize the moment. So get comfortable, as you scroll through, upvote the best or worst ones, and be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section below. We also got in touch with the page’s moderators to learn more.
This post may include affiliate links.
Let Me Just Post This On Facebook
I wonder if they were rude or if they knew the person. Some people are so busy proving their independence they get angry if you offer to assist with things. Usually it is younger kids. My grandson went through a phase of that. But I've seen it in adults - particularly if there were mental health issues. My brain leans toward ''rude' though as I have not seen it very often in adults.
I hope the person who took the photo at least offered to buy the man another coffee. To make up for being a complete moron.
Load More Replies...Don't Bother Turning It Off
The damage is done. At least snap a photo so maybe you can look back and laugh.
He looks like a border collie. I've said it once and I'll say it again. Gorgeous dogs, but completely crazy ( rough collies are the same and I should know 😂)
Load More Replies...Net they are on the way there with their phone in hand, a picture takes 3 extra seconds. Or even less of it works with a side button. The damage had already been done.
Load More Replies...Either all these posts will make me laugh or make me angry or question the human race.
He Looks Like He Deserved It Though
Can't believe you stood by and just watched, you should've have spent that time engaging him some other activity
Bored Panda got in touch with the page’s moderators and they were kind enough to share some more details. “Allow me to give a little more context on this subreddit. This subreddit's previous admins and moderators participated in the Reddit Blackout by no longer moderating the content and not adhering to the Code of Conduct. Because of this, the entire team was removed. This happened in a number of subreddits, and so Reddit reached out for any experienced moderators to help with a number of different communities.”
“Personally, I have professional experience running social media and communities in the tech space as well as the video game industry. Because of this - I volunteered. This was maybe 4-6 months back. Myself and the other mod were selected by Reddit directly after we threw a comment on their (Reddit Admin) topic asking for help. I knew of r/donthelpjustfilm before but in passing.”
Woof🤿irl
if my dog drowned my brother, i'd have a much better life.
Load More Replies...this was frickin dangerous!!!!! get the kid out of the water!!!! get the dog away from her! wtf is a picture more important than someone's life??????
I don't know why you are getting downvoted, Regina. As a prior lifeguard this is indeed pretty darn dangerous. Both animals and humans can panic in the water and drag other people down. The first thing that a drowning animal or person usually goes for when someone tries to rescue them is the neck or the head of their rescuer.
Load More Replies...Probably didn't look like a drowning attempt until the photos were reviewed.
Everyone knows that everyone in the family loves the dog the best.
that is a labrador... labs are water loving dogs... dogs are not just animals to some people they are part of the family just as the humans are... maybe if you had a dog instead of a pet potato you would understand why the dog is there
Load More Replies...Back When My Little Brother Got Stuck In The Toilet. Still Hanging On The Wall
My SO's grandma has a picture of the first time his uncle came home drunk, head in the toilet, out cold 😅 she showed that picture to everyone 🤣
My friend has one of her daughter when younger - somehow got blue dye all over her face and hands. Looks like a low budget version of the Na'vi from Avatar.
I've got one of my daughter too. Only it was a blue sharpie and she was stark naked. Only 2years old though.
Load More Replies...Omg I remember when my brother got stuck in a chair. I told him we'd have to call the fire department when really I just needed to find an allen key. "Hurray" (seriously) was what he uttered when he saw the magic tool
The fact that they have this framed and hanging on the wall is what makes it extra funny lol 😆
Do Something Hooman?
I say this as a cat lover, and someone who was a cat rescue specialist with an animal welfare organisation for almost 2 decades - Keep. Your. Damn. Cats. Inside.
It's unusual to have indoor cats in the UK. Cats are just expected to roam.
Load More Replies...It’s pretty rare to keep your cat indoors in the uk. I get that they kill birds and mice but studies have shown that well fed domesticated cats don’t kill nearly as much as you might think. From reading the comments I’m wondering if it’s just the US readers who have a very different viewpoint on this? Do other countries have this desire to keep cats indoors?
Same in NZ. We don't have any predators so the chief risk to cats is from cars and roaming dogs. However, there is pressure in some quarters to keep cats inside to protect native fauna. I don't have the data to hand but from what I've read it's actually feral cats and dogs causing the biggest issues rather than well-fed pets (and yes, I know pet cats still have a hunting instinct and will catch some wildlife).
Load More Replies...I live on a farm. We have cats. We also mice, squirrels, many thriving endangered species, lots of birds and what not. Blaming cats for struggling biodiversity, to me, sounds ridiculously hypocritical. The lack of places to nest, clean water, clean air, plants to feed on, opportunity to migrate and many other factors can lead to populations becoming so small that a cat might be able to kill off the last ones of a species. But it's not because of the cats. It's because of the humans. A cats claws did not develop to scratch couches, but to climb trees. They spread cat litter around the box, because they are not supposed to use a litter box, but dig small holes in the ground ro relieve themselves. They need to roam, run and hunt. They shouldn't spend all their lives inside. Neither should humans.
“Upon joining - we learned the sub was made private for about 3 months and also had the mod queue completely flooded with bogus reports on topics - content posted that didn't adhere to the subreddit's own posted rules, etc. Not to mention upon re-opening the sub, no one really knew that it was back open. I assume this is because folks' interest in this sub is cursory and not a "main event" kinda community.”
It's On My Leg!!!!!!!!
100% would have taken the picture before assisting, this is too adorable 🥰
Actually that's a doggy and toady.. I can pretty much guarantee its a male toad, because they have little claws on their toes to help them cling onto the females (for breeding purposes) I once had two, clinging to my arm when I was in my pond clearing old plantlife. I had to peel them off when I was done
Load More Replies...Smiling On The Outside, Struggling On The Inside
So My Mom Was So Tired She Fell Asleep On The Dog Bed While Petting The Dog. Our Dog Jak Decided That Mom's Face Was Perfect For His Butt To Lay On. His Farts Tend To Be The Worst While He Naps. My Poor Mother 😴🐶💨
Yes, who doesn't lay on a dog bed (without a dog) to nap? And didn't wake up when the dog landed?
There has to have been some mind altering substance involved here for sure.
Load More Replies...Why is she this tired? Get a diagnosis & treatment or help her with the work that needs to be done!
dude i stopped at the word jack and was really scared to read on - phew just farts - i'm relieved
“As a Community Manager, you tend to simply focus on content curation and help folks to post. In my short experience here - that's been a tough one. We've got a fairly large community, but even with regular posting on my end - there's a little bump in engagement and other folks posting.”
Frog Confuses Christmas Light With Firefly And Illuminates Himself From Inside
If that wasn't a real frog, he makes a great Christmas decoration himself (not in any harmful way - I love frogs)
I hope that frog was okay. Aren't fireflies poisonous to frogs anyway?
Correct me if I'm wrong but are fireflies deadly to frogs? with the luciferin? (again I genuinely don't know!)
I'm not sure if you could even help this little guy without hurting him or worse, killing him. Unless you're trained in working with amphibians, leave them alone or call someone to help.
The Chosen One
damned influencer deserved worse than being surrounded by such fluff!
In The 70’s My Parents Thought It Was A Better Idea To Take A Photo Than Help Me
And don't forget this is in the days when they had to go indoors, find the camera, check it had film in it etc. That child was there quite a while.
I did this at Disney World when I was about 5. My parents got a picture first as well, lol.
Well, it's not like you were likely to do much to make the situation worse. Or to go anywhere.
And we didn't all have phones in our pockets in the 70's, mom and dad had to go fetch the camera
We were also curious to hear why they thought the content was popular in the first place. “I don't think it's that deep. You can look at the success of subs like r/childrenfallingover to see that people like to see "fails." The other moderator also shared his input. “Of course, people are drawn to disasters, accidents, and similar types of events. Historically people would always gather around or watch these types of events, even before phones.
This Kid Can't Eat
please don't give toddlers whole bananas. if they can choke on a grape they most definitely can choke on that.
I'd be much more concerned about those arm floaties. They are proven to be dangerous and have directly caused multiple drownings.
Load More Replies...After I read your comment, I realized what was really going on 😂
Load More Replies...The video is pure gold: https://youtu.be/tTjd_P9ext8?si=UnlB0uOJknqWQdni
I just saw this video yesterday. The child gets so frustrated they can't reach the banana to their mouth! It is hilarious 😂 obviously they weren't in any harm, it was a good time to take a video
Swimming always made me hungry as a kid. Same with all of my kids. We swim a lot and I always have snacks ready
Please Help Grandma. She's Trying Her Best
It's just a sign telling her which number to put in on the app so the employees know which spot she's parked in. I think.
Load More Replies...She can't figure out the difference between a sign and an order screen with buttons....and I bet she still has her driving license, which is terrifying.
Why is it terrifying? It's not driving that she's trying to figure out, it's technology that she's never come up against before. Everyone needs someone to show them how to do new things in the beginning! Speaking as a senior who had to ask someone how to extend the time on a parking meter when I haven't had to use one in years and the technology has changed.
Load More Replies...I'd film my mom doing this for the laughs! Then I'd help her of course but I'm laughing first.
Totally understandable. It makes no sense without prior knowledge (including weird use of familiar terminology - "to check-in"?). Very alienating.
I also hate the fact that you need a special app for every thing you want to do. If I need a specific app, I won't order. I'm fed up with downloading and installing rubbish.
Load More Replies...I refuse to deal with ypur app! I probably won't be back at your establishment.
Sheep Charging Fisherman, Pushed Into The Water
To be fair, there's really no way to intervene in this situation. The sheep's gonna sheep, and if you try to step in, you're going to be in that pond, too.
Not gonna lie. I’m glad this incident was photographed. It’s hilarious.
Someone I know had her ribs broken when a random sheep charged and rammed her. I felt bad for her, but couldn't stop laughing. :) Apparently that sheep didn't like the look of her.
"The term "bystander effect" first came around back in the 1960s because of the murder of Kitty Genovese. Now people simply have the option to film it to show their friends and social media, but the concept isn't exactly new. Although I would say our litigious society where people get sued or ridiculed for everything certainly doesn't help influence people to assist others." they shared with us.
Shortly After My First Christmas, When I’d Figured Out How To Scoot Backward (But Not Forward)…
Cat Gets Stuck, Hooman Gets Camera
Poor baby!! That cat is in pain! Imagine if your fingernails from both of your hands were stuck in something at the same time and there was pressure being put on them too!!!
He’s just meowing his annoyance. He’s fine, he’s not in pain and he’s a lot stretchier and tougher than he looks. Cats claws aren’t like our fingernails. He just needs to retract his claws and he’ll be free. Think of cats like acrobatic contortionist ninjas.
Load More Replies...You guys are aware that cat's use their claws to climb straight walls? And that they'll hang onto their claws with their whole weight while doing so? Even sometimes just on one, single claw. Their claws are not like fingernails. They're fully connected to the bones, that's why declawing is so cruel. You'd have to cut the whole tip of the toe for the claw to come off. Little kitty here is pissed, but definitely not in pain. It could rip the fabric to shreds if it wanted to and would do so it was in pain/panic. It would jump and trash around to get loose. And there wouldn't be enough time to snap a picture before it would be loose. The kitten would definitely not just standing there and meow. But it's neither in pain, nor in panic. It's merely annoyed. One, tiny movement of any paw and it'll come loose on its own. They get stuck all the time and so far no kitten ever has hurt themselves getting lose again. Stop humanizing animals. They have different standards than we do.
Just trying to make the best of an embarrassing situation by laughing for the camera!
He Could Have Picked Anywhere Else To Sit
In sociology, many of the images shown here might fall under the category of “someone else's problem,” the idea that, somehow the issue will just resolve itself. This isn’t just some modern malaise, it has been observed for quite some time. Oftentimes, when there are other people around, the people convince themselves that someone else will intervene.
This Is Fine. I'm Fine
Wasn't this on Looney Toons? I believe Ralph Wolf (whose resemblance to Wiley Coyote is amazing!) was on the other end of the rope...
Load More Replies...I've seen another video like this where the sheep was doing it on purpose. It liked getting in the tire swing and jumping around.
I refer you to Monty Python's Flying Circus, the "Flying Sheep" sketch.
It's from a video. Click on the OP's user name under the photos.
Load More Replies...Puppy Fighting For His Bed Back
Poor Guy
I'm too busy being disgusted by the dude who walked barefoot into a public restroom.
Of course, this doesn’t seem to stop people from whipping out their devices and immortalizing the situation that they could help prevent. Some folks point towards this sort of content as evidence that people are less helpful, but this might be a classic case of confirmation bias. After all, “Diffusion of responsibility” was no doubt happening before the cell phone, just with less evidence.
Ball In The Ice
Pick Him Up
How inconsiderate, if he freaks out, he might injure the beautiful bearded dragon.
That's what I was thinking. I wouldn't do this, first because tormenting someone else is just mean, and second what if this guy panicked and threw the poor thing across the room or swatted it or something? No thanks!
Load More Replies...It's not funny to force something on another person when they're obviously scared. You might love lizards but not everyone does. I had a friend who liked to try and freak me out with her snake. I'm glad you enjoy your pet, but I have a real phobia of snakes and don't enjoy being chased around by someone holding one! I would never drop my cat on the lap of someone who doesn't like cats.
My baby beardy is coming home tomorrow!!! I'm so excited to be a new mama!!!!
I’m so jealous!! I had a green iguana as a kid in the 90s and he was my best friend. He was chill with a harness and I used to make clothes for him 😹 I also had anoles (little tiny lizards.) I always wanted a beardie (and a snek) but my mom wouldn’t let me :( I guess a beardie was “too scary looking” of a herp (but the iguana wasn’t? lol) Good luck with your beardie, you’ll be a great herp mom!
Load More Replies...This was on AFV and I believe was one of the three finalists. Their vocal reaction was hilarious!
Does anyone else in the US remember late night TV host Jonny Carson when he had the person bring in a tarantula to show something like this, but so very funny! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTN8eZeQFKk
Yes, Johnny did not like to be touched by other people, but he would let the animals crawl all over him and his expressions were priceless. I remember one night when a little monkey peed on him and he took it like a trouper.
Load More Replies...This would be my exact reaction, I like animals so I wouldn't want to hurt it but that does not mean I want it on me or to touch it. People who force this situation are the bad guys as they're showing no consideration for the people or animals involved.
Small animals SHOULD NOT be handled by a toddler, EVER. Small animals cannot be extensively “behavior/attitude” trained in the way large animals (e.g., dogs, horses) can - and most small animals are PREY ANIMALS and will have the instinct to bite/scratch to escape if they feel threatened. A bearded dragon is a VERY chill reptile, but they CAN and WILL still bite unexpectedly. The kid’s d-bag “prank” behavior aside, he shouldn’t be even touching a beardie unless he can handle it in a gentle and respectful manner.
Load More Replies...Up Up And Away
This looks like a ton of fun until the trunk door accidentally closes on little fingers or feet....
oh but this one could be dangerous, although i think it might have been planned by dad
I came on here to say that kid knew what he was doing, but yeah, I think I agree with you, lol
Load More Replies...This was intentional. I've seen the video and many like it. My nephew used to do this years ago when he was smaller. I personally saw the possibility of injury, but it was his parents allowing it, not me 🤷🏻♀️
When I Was A Kid A Big Plastic Easel Fell On Me And Mom Decided To Document
The dedication to capturing the moment is impressive. It's not like you carried a camera around with you back then.biy was usually kept somewhere safe in a big, may or may not have film... Sorry kid!
Load More Replies...hmm let me get this ... this is funny, but if there was a cat or dog under that easel, everyone would yell "animal abuse"...? just wondering
Let's Pray For Poor Kyle Tonight
When I was a kid, there was a boy in my neighborhood who used to chase me and pick on me (I am female, btw). One day, as he was chasing me, I jumped over a chain link fence, then turned around just as he was going over it, we began to tussle, and somehow he became hooked upside down, by the crotch of his pants, just hanging there, yelling at me. I ran away and left him. It was very funny, in retrospect, but when he next caught up to me, a few days later, he actually kicked me in my girl part, which was pretty awful. A day in the life of a wild child.
Ooooof. A kid in grade school was climbing a fence like this and fell, but his upper arm caught on the top and literally ripped his flesh from bicep to elbow 🤮 It was a horrifying thing to experience as a 3rd grader and has traumatized me for life
When I was growing up, that's how the kid, 'Jonny One Nut' lost that nut! 🤣
Later that evening.... "I feel like we're forgetting something" "Probably nothing important..." "Yeah, I guess you're right."
Poor Cat Just Wanted To Have A Nap
Chickens are terrors! They are bullies, mine beat up my dogs and the cats.
this is gonna sound terrible, but i think it may be nugget time.
Load More Replies...The chickens were curious. We have 14 hens that we hatched and they have spent plenty of time being held by humans and integrated with our three dogs. They're two years old now and all 14 are very sweet 💞 It is true that they will kill another chicken, but only if it is ill and that is to protect the rest of the flock. They will also peck the heck out of anyone who bleeding so it is important to check on them for any wounds or sign of illness
Our chickens were bad, but the rooster terrorised my whole family. Dad eventually got rid of it with his .22 rifle firing from the kitchen window. Best roast meal we ever had
It's All Fun And Games Until Kitty Heads Begin To Roll
Ngl my first thought was "I never heard m.o.t.h.e.r.f.u.c.k.e.d used in that way"
Load More Replies...Oh come the hell on, BoredPanda. Enough with the damned censorship. Are you going to change "murdered" "angerly unalived" now?
The poor kitten is in pain!! How about helping the kitty instead of filming?
You Should Have Stopped Him!!!
Idk, but that cat looks like mine who’s equally as stupid as us with a little grace so I wish to pet it
Load More Replies...Why TF would you EVER allow a cat to chew on an electronic device?
If you think this is amusing enough to film, you deserve to shell out the amount of money you will need to replace that.
The same thing happened to my phone but it had a screen protector, so only that is cracked. I didn't think Kiki could damage it!
Every Man For Themselves
Is that a whale shark in the first picture? They're not harmful to humans at all, lol. They're maybe scary but not life-threatening, and it looks like someone was trying to help him in the second picture.
Watched the video. Yes, its a whale shark. No they were not exactly trying...too busy laughing. The man literally stepped on the poor animal for a few seconds. Made him scream even louder!! I would have killed my friends by the time I got back on.
Load More Replies...Whale sharks are actually gentle, giant sea puppies (really big sea puppies). However, I can understand why someone would be terrified of one if they didn't know that they are harmless.
I would love to swim with a whale shark. People pay good monies to do that.
I thought the same. These are the still shots the BP author decided to take from a short clip posted to Reddit. It shows the transition in the OP.
Load More Replies...these things were 'fun' until AI and Deepwhatever it's called, now it's all fake
It's like 1 am and I just mistook that person for a barbie/Ken doll and I was really confused
My Neighbor Left His Thunderbird Outside With The Top Down. It's Pouring
If I owned that car it would never be parked outside - top up or top down, rain or shine. Such a nice looking car. Why subject it to sun damage??
Cat "Trapped" Inside The Litterbox
Looks like one of mine.... I have a cat that once got lost on the bedroom windowsill!
When Your Home Cat Thinks It’s A Top Predator With Ninja Skills
How Are You Doing Today, Sir?
This happened in Zion, Illinois, in 2017. Luckily, after animal control officers couldn't help him they requested help from the Public Works Department, who finally managed to free the racoon: https://abc7chicago.com/cute-animals-raccoons-trash-pandas-fat-raccoon/2600692/
you gonna get tickeld oh you dont like tickled then why present tickeld belly?
Pennywise: "we have trash down here" This guy:
Load More Replies...What’s Baking Soda
Even professional chefs/bakers have fire accidents.
Load More Replies...Every home should have an ABC Fire extinguisher and a Fire Blanket in their kitchen area. Neither is expensive and both easy to use.
These pics of fire irritate the hell out of me. just help put the fire out. If you want a pic, take a pic of the aftermath of the fire, not the actual fire!!!!! And instead of repeating yourself, get the danm baking soda yourself!
Baking soda is something that is magically in everyone's pantry.
*casually Sits There And Films*
Stop, drop and roll, people. When you set your a*s on fire, Stop - do not run, Drop - to the ground, and Roll - use your body to smother the flames against the ground.
It’s cute advice but - as someone who was set on fire and no one helped, it’s the last thing I was thinking about, even the other burns wards patients agreed to my hateful sentiment towards Kenny the koala and his stupid stop drop and roll thing. It’s like good intentions for no reason 😂 what got me off fire wasn’t rolling around, I tried, it was bashing myself half to death with camping chairs and whatever I found while on fire 😂 it’s s**t. I’ve met a lot of other survivors and I ask and so far no one else ever thought to ‘stop drop and roll’ whilst on fire
Load More Replies...This looks like a classic case of play stupid games win stupid prizes. At least he was wearing his Hi-vis shirt for safety
JFC, people! I can't believe how sick someone is to film instead of help.
to be fair, they were already filming, perhaps because they saw this issue coming, so there wasn't much that could be done to help. the stupidity must be documented.
Possibly The Best Feet You'll See All Day
The order of the pictures moves around depending on the votes. We have no idea which pic you are commenting on.
Load More Replies...Cat Messing With The Drying Rack
Cats almost always put themselves in these situations! Sorry but Imma sit back and enjoy...so far as I can see that there will be no harm done to the little idiot!
Normal drying rack already falls over if there's two more socks on the left than the right... Surprised this stays up for four pics.
British Kids Can Be Little Jerks
And there is a high chance that at least one has a knife.
Load More Replies...Yeah, no, those are chavs and anyone who intervened or said anything likely would have gotten stabbed.
The problem is the possibility of them using whatever they used to tip the car- on you. Stay away.
They didn't use anything except physics. But I'm not sure what the point of intervention would be. Stopping them would probably mean getting physical - and why engage in violence to rescue a car? It's not a person in distress.
Load More Replies...My Man Flexed Too Hard
This looks like a video of an accident happening while someone films, not someone starting to film instead of helping.
Wait. I don't understand the last couple of photos. Where ARE they. What happened here?
Guy standing by lake is flexxing, and improper flex technique can lead to fainting, and well... That's what happened and he tipped over and fell in. Ouch.
Load More Replies...Where Do We Go From Here?
To be fair they are taking the pic to make people aware of the homeless being in such need of help😞
Also the person who made the tweet didn't take the photo.
Load More Replies...Capitalism Rule #134: Treating people with humanity is not profitable.
It's definitely cold and sucks for that person but it would seem that the stated temperature is an exaggeration because it appears the snow has melted and not refrozen around the individual
The person is sleeping on a spot that gas some sort of heat underneath it that's melting the snow--that's why they chose that spot. I'd bet there's a manhole beneath them. Unfortunately, some crueler cities (like my former home, Cleveland) replaced a lot of heating grates and other natural hot spots with vertical vents to stop people from being able to do this. (Cleveland also arrested a pastor during January's cold snap for housing a bunch of homeless in his church overnight because zoning laws suck. Go Guardians!)
Load More Replies...Do You...wanna Go For A Walk?
OMG people, they're just cute/funny/hmmm photos. Don't be so literal!
Load More Replies...Dog Attack
Kid should have listened. That dog aint gonna hurt her, he can easily jump that high
Load More Replies...Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement like this. So, try not to enjoy this, it's educational.
How to make someone have an irrational fear of dogs 101. No, this is not cool at all. Find a different way to teach your kid not to mess with the dog, if that went wrong it would be a very sad story and the dog would be put down not to mention the child scarred for life.
Well grandaddy, you're an a s s h o l e. Someone should call the cops on your dumb a s s!
Abuse of both child and dog. That looks like a young dog, too. Nice training. It'll make the 6 o'clock news when it mauls someone.
True. Anytime a dog bites someone, a human has done something wrong somewhere along the way
Load More Replies...Tbf, if someone has got themselves stuck doing something stupid and is not in immediate danger of death or injury then I would probably take a pic before going to help.
A lot of these are originally posted as videos, so it would make sense someone might be filming in a bunch of them.
Load More Replies...Welcome to BP, Diana. Providence could use a Herald like you.
Load More Replies...Tbf, if someone has got themselves stuck doing something stupid and is not in immediate danger of death or injury then I would probably take a pic before going to help.
A lot of these are originally posted as videos, so it would make sense someone might be filming in a bunch of them.
Load More Replies...Welcome to BP, Diana. Providence could use a Herald like you.
Load More Replies...
