Acceptable/Unacceptable by University of Alberta Student Life

After watching the YouTube video “Acceptable/Unacceptable” by University of Alberta Student Life, I was struck by how relevant and relatable the content was to my own experiences as a university student. The video explores the often blurry line between appropriate and inappropriate behaviour in academic and social settings, highlighting the complexities of consent, communication, and respect. It made me reflect on how easily seemingly harmless actions like making an offhand comment or sending a joke in a group chat can cross into unacceptable territory, especially in today’s digital and social landscape.

As a student, I’ve witnessed firsthand how these boundaries can become unclear, particularly in social situations where alcohol is involved. The video made me think about university parties or events where intoxication can lower inhibitions and impair judgment. This can occasionally result in actions that go beyond the bounds of consent and respect even though the people may not mean to cause harm. The accountability lesson in the video made me realize how critical it is to take responsibility for my behaviour and to identify when others may require assistance.

This reflection ties into the findings from the study “Bystander Intervention to Prevent Sexual Violence: The Overlooked Role of Bystander Alcohol Intoxication” by Leone et al. (2021). The research highlights how alcohol intoxication reduces the likelihood of bystander intervention in situations involving potential sexual violence. Based on the study, drunk bystanders are slower to act, even when they sense a threat, and are less able to identify dangerous situations. This adds a crucial dimension to the video’s discussion by highlighting how increasingly difficult it is to carry out intervention in university settings where alcohol use is common.

This makes me consider how I can help create a safer campus environment as a student. Both the study and the video emphasize the importance of bystander education and awareness, particularly about the effects of alcohol. It serves as a reminder that although it’s simple to write off offensive remarks or actions as “just a joke” or “harmless fun,” they can cause discomfort or even injury.

Leone, R. M., Haikalis, M., Parrott, D. J., & DiLillo, D. (2017). Bystander intervention to prevent sexual violence: The overlooked role of bystander alcohol intoxication. Psychology of Violence, 8(5), 639–647. https://doi.org/10.1037/vio0000155