Kayla questions digitizing memories
Dear Diary,
Last week, I took on the chore of going through my camera roll with a fine-tooth comb. This was no simple task, as I had 18,906 photos and a serious iPhone storage problem. About a fourth of these photos consist of accidental images and screenshots, random school assignments, textbook pages, math notes, and street signs to remember where I park. About half comprise beautiful views, sunrises, sunsets, and aesthetic scenes. However, the rest of my photos are a random mix of everything: friends, concerts, recipes, hobbies, and pretty much every experience in which I had my phone handy is commemorated with a photo to capture the moment.
Long story short, I like to take photos of everything, but I don’t actually look back at those photos that often. The process of going through my photos is tedious and I don’t ever feel the same excitement looking at a picture that living in the moment and just appreciating the experience brought. So, why do I feel the need to digitize everything?
We live in a world where people feel pressured to catch everything on camera. We rely on the false sense of comfort that a phone provides. Photos and videos act as proof to validate a moment in time. Are we afraid that if we don’t capture a memory, we never even lived it?
Through this process I realized that memories aren’t tangible, no matter how hard we try to capture them. They will slowly slip away, becoming more fragmented as time goes on. Maybe we feel that capturing them on camera might change that. However, taking a photo changes the memory. It makes the experience less authentic, less intimate, and less real.
I think it is a little sweeter to remember a moment knowing that you were fully present without the distractions that a phone causes. Live in the moment and appreciate things as they come. Who knows? The experience might become even richer. We should all take our time when focusing on the things that we love–there is no hidden agenda that should cause you to rush.
When I get older I know that I will appreciate the dedication that it took to capture my high school experience on camera. However, I am starting to realize that through these attempts, I am actually taking away from each moment; 18,906 photos is definitely extreme.
The meaning of “life is short” is diluted because of its overuse. However, this mantra is true: our time here to make our lives count truly is short. Cherishing each moment and being present is something I think we can all work on. Become rich in memories and genuine experiences—that is what make your life so special and significant.
Sincerely,
Kayla Kinsey
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