LettersA little more patience in crowded places please

It’s a rather worrisome phenomenon that social media seems awash with videos of Hongkongers in verbal or physical altercations in public places such as malls and around public transport.

The fact that the videos are being circulated points to the rather unhealthy psyche of those who like, comment or share them without a second thought. But there are also armchair strategists who coldly wonder why other bystanders at the scene of the row didn’t put themselves between the two irate parties.

The truth is, many people at the scene would have ignored the commotion while engrossed by their phones, even as others seized the opportunity to record the incident and enjoy their 15 minutes of fame.

In crowded, claustrophobic environments, some people are understandably a bit on edge. Commuters have to jostle for seating, or to hold on to the handrail and steady themselves. In the peak hours, when public transport passengers are packed like sardines, one unfriendly stare, pivot of the foot or an inadvertent shoulder bump could easily trigger an argument.

In this fast-paced, stressful city, fuses can be short. A timely apology or a smile would help de-escalate tension.