Coldplay, Kiss Cams & Consequences
By: Kourtney Smith
If you’ve been online lately, chances are you’ve seen it: the viral moment from a recent Coldplay concert where a couple was caught on the big screen… and what followed was an awkward, very public reveal of their affair.
The video shot around the world in hours, sparking memes, reaction clips, debates and plenty of laughs. But while the internet was busy pointing and laughing, some deeper questions started bubbling beneath the surface. Why are we so fascinated by these moments of public exposure? And what does it reveal about our culture, and ourselves?
Stephen McAlpine, respected writer and cultural commentator, who recently shared a thought-provoking piece about the Coldplay “kiss cam incident.” His insights gave us pause, helping us move beyond the viral moment to explore something deeper.
The Power… and Danger… of Exposure
“These moments are like watching a car crash, we can’t look away,” Stephen told Leah & Dan. “We’re fascinated by human behaviour, especially bad behaviour, when we’re not the ones caught in the spotlight.”
Stephen describes it as “theatre for the digital age.” A mixture of shock, humour, and judgment that plays out for a global audience in real time. “It’s part of the meme culture,” he says. “We take very tragic events and turn them into entertainment. But at some point, we have to take a step back.”
Is There Still a Place for Faithfulness?
Despite living in a “you do you” culture, Stephen believes the reaction to this public affair speaks volumes.
“There’s a little crack in the armour,” he says. “Despite everything we say about freedom and consent and living your truth, we still instinctively feel that covenant relationships, where we stick to our vows, are good. That they matter.”
And maybe that’s why this moment struck such a chord. It wasn’t just the drama, it was the public breach of something most of us, deep down, still value: trust.
What If We Were the Ones Exposed?
As easy as it is to laugh, Stephen encourages us to reflect before we judge. “What would it feel like if my worst mistake was shown on the big screen at a football match?” he asks. “Would I want grace… or ridicule?”
It’s a sobering thought, and one that challenges the internet’s instinct to shred and shame. “We don’t reflect enough on our own propensities,” Stephen says. “This might be a good time to do that.”
Finding Forgiveness in a World That’s Quick to Cancel
So, what if you’re living through your own “kiss cam moment”? Caught, exposed, and unsure what to do next? Stephen, speaking from his Christian faith, offers a word of hope. “Jesus knew people better than any kiss cam ever could,” he says. “He saw the mess in their lives and still offered them forgiveness and a fresh start.”
It’s a reminder that there’s a difference between internet culture and kingdom culture. While one cancels, the other offers compassion. While one laughs at the fallen, the other kneels beside them.
If you’re facing the fallout of a mistake, whether public or private, know this: exposure can be painful, but it can also be a turning point. A moment to choose humility… a moment to seek grace… a moment to start again.
Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.
Feature image: Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
