Do No Harm, Do Not Swarm: Storied Experiences of Mass Shooting Survivors with Journalists

When mass shootings occur, journalists often overwhelm communities in the throes of immense trauma. This study seeks to understand the experiences of survivors and victims’ families after mass shootings when they are thrust into the public spotlight and attention of journalists during the worst moments of their lives. Through narratives, twelve participants shared stories of their experiences with journalists after mass shootings that directly impacted their lives. With care ethics as a framework, patterns in narratives where harm was perceived and narratives shared about positive experiences are discussed. Primary themes that emerged include betrayal of trust, understanding that the story needs to be told, and calls for compassion. Subthemes include too much too soon, invasions of sanctuaries, twisted words, and honoring loved ones. Behavior by journalists that is perceived to cause harm continues despite Op-Eds and industry commentary calling for change after mass shootings and research indicating the need to do so. As audience trust declines, understanding the impact journalists have on the people they report on from the perspective of the people experiencing the tragedy is an integral part of the conversation for journalists and educators.