Stop Taking and Posting Selfies in the Locker Room
By: Christin Everson, MS
A mirror selfie in the gym locker room: The obligatory demonstration that you are about to begin a workout or in celebration of finishing one. While this action might feel innocuous to the subject, it can create harm to other participants, present and future. So, next time you’re feeling the lighting, do not take that locker room photo. Here’s why:
The Gym is Scary Enough
The gym can be a very vulnerable place, especially for those who are new or returning to exercise. For many, they are learning to move their body in novel ways and practicing how to use large, heavy, intimidating equipment, navigating shared spaces, and pushing themselves in ways that feel potentially uncomfortable.
Then, they enter a shared locker room, where they do the most vulnerable part of the gym experience: Changing their clothes and using the facilities to shower. Literal nakedness. What’s more vulnerable than that?! While in their birthday suit, it is all too common to suddenly see someone taking a photo in the mirror or setting up a camera to get a specific angle. This requires them to cover up, quickly get out of the shot, or wait until the photoshoot has concluded before completing their tasks.
While likely unintentional, your photo sends the message that there is no safe place in said facility. It says that everyone is always at risk of being photographed or videoed without consent. This creates a lack of safety, potential emotional harm, anxiety, and a host of other feelings for participants who are just trying to use the locker room as it was intended.
Accidental Harm
I know what you’re thinking: “I only take a photo if I’m alone.” Well, that’s still problematic. While most who use their camera in locker rooms do their best to ensure there is no one in their shot or that they are totally alone in the space, the unintended target of your camera can still be harmed by your photo.
This can happen in two ways:
1. In Real Time
Your photo directly impacts other people in your vicinity. Making them feel as though they must manage themselves to stay out of your background and protect their privacy. It starts with being inconvenienced: they’ll change in the restroom, shower at home, etc. But the more significant impact is the conclusion: this is not a safe place. Prioritizing your need for the photo over their personal safety and experience.
2. For Future Visits
Let’s say you take a photo in an empty locker room and then post that photo to social media. That photo demonstrates to its viewers that the locker room is a space where cameras are out and pictures are taken. It prepares others to feel anxious about their future visits and teaches them that they must be cautious when using what’s supposed to be a safe, private space.
By law, we are guaranteed an expectation of privacy prohibiting photography/filming others without their consent in locations where they are likely to disrobe. The habit of photographing yourself in a vulnerable space like a locker room creates a lack of safety and personal consent and compromises the experience for all. Posting that photo sends an even more significant message to the viewing audience about what they can expect from that environment.
The absolute last thing I want when I’m changing my clothes is to be constantly looking over my shoulder to ensure someone doesn’t have their phone out and I’m accidentally in their shot. The impact is not just an inconvenience, it’s prioritizing the desires of one over the collective safety of others.
Still Want That Shot? Try This.
If photo evidence of your attendance is important to you, then consider only taking the photo in a single-occupancy restroom, where you are guaranteed to be alone and will never disturb the current or future experiences of others.
The Role of Gym Owners and Managers
It is always the responsibility of the owners and managers to care for the safety of their members.
Here are ways they can mitigate this issue with their members:
Ensure your facility has a clearly stated (and regularly communicated) policy prohibiting photographs in locker room settings.
If you are tagged in photos like this, remove the tag and directly communicate with the member about your policy.
Enforce your policies. When you see people doing it, utilize your identified policy enforcement process to communicate with them and create consequences if the behavior continues.
This is an element of gymtimidation that we’re always working to change. Gym owners need to take a more rigid stance on this issue so we can create spaces that are safe and inclusive.
So, next time it feels like a great time to do a quick photoshoot in the locker room. Don’t. It’s harmful and unnecessary. We all have a responsibility to support the safety of others in vulnerable spaces.
