Are We Enjoying the Moment or Recording It?

Last week, I opened my phone's gallery intending to free up some storage space. Guess what I found?

There were so many food photos. I had even forgotten where I took them—I couldn't even recall what the food tasted like anymore.

Are you the same way?
When food arrives at your table, do you dig right in, or...
Do you take a picture first?

I honestly can't remember when the camera started taking over every moment of my life.

Almost every time I dine out, I see people photographing their food or drinks before they start enjoying them.
I’ve noticed it’s never just one shot, either. They have to snap multiple photos from various angles to find that one perfect picture to post on social media.

It doesn't stop at photos; some people even record videos before eating. Whether it’s to post online, send to friends or family, or simply to preserve the memory of having eaten at that specific place...
I really don't know.

I see the same thing at music concerts or live performances. From the people closest to the stage to those furthest away, almost everyone is holding up a phone with the camera running. They watch while recording, or even livestream the concert atmosphere from their social media accounts.

It would be one thing if it were just for documentation—taking a few photos or recording for just a couple of minutes. We could spend the rest of the time actually enjoying the music and the atmosphere.

Hmm... it makes me wonder: if everyone at the concert is busy recording it, then who is actually watching the concert?

It doesn't stop there. Even during disasters, people often turn on their phone cameras before they even start helping—that is, if they still remember to help at all.

A few years ago, a house across from my office caught fire. It was separated from my office by a small road, only three meters wide.
When the flames started to grow, do you know what happened? Some people simply stood there watching and recording the scene, while only a handful busied themselves trying to extinguish the flames—myself included.

The house burned to the ground, whereas the houses on either side suffered only partial damage. Thanks to the firefighters who acted swiftly, as well as the people who helped put out the fire.

I still remember when I was a kid; only a select few owned cameras. Even then, they were analogue cameras that used rolls of film to capture images.

Back then, people used cameras solely to photograph important events or moments. It is different now—the priority is simply to snap a picture. Every moment feels important because a camera is always right there in the palm of your hand.
Whether the photos get used or just clutter up storage space is a concern for later.

It is no longer about "I want to remember this."
Instead, it is:
"I need proof that I was here."

Photos help us remember.
Videos let us relive moments.
I'm grateful we have cameras in our pockets.
But sometimes...
I wonder how many beautiful moments I've experienced through a screen instead of with my own eyes.

What about you?
When was the last time you intentionally put your phone away just to experience a moment?

All images were taken using my phone