Do You Really Need to Record That? Unpacking the Compulsion to Record Every Live Event
We’ve all been there: trying to enjoy a concert, and all you can see are phone screens instead of the actual performance. Even Adele called out a fan for recording a show, urging them to experience the moment instead of through a screen. If you’re a live-in-the-moment person, it’s really frustrating. You almost end up experiencing the concert through these fans’ tiny screens instead of the live thing. It would’ve been better to stay home, for all you know. Will these people even watch this shaky, underwhelming recording later? But what’s behind this need to record everything you set your eyes on?
First, it creates instant nostalgia. Sure, the sound might be off, and the shaky camera work could give you motion sickness, but you’ve created a time capsule of that epic concert. You get the chance to relive the moment whenever they want. You have a multi-sensory souvenir for the rest of your life. Future you will thank you. Second, it gives you social currency. In the age of digital validation, if you didn’t Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook Live that concert, did it even happen? The recording is your virtual ticket to the cool kid’s table. Third, it’s the modern-day lighter. Back in the day, people would hold up lighters to show support for their artists. So how do you do it now? The phone is the 21st-century version of showing your appreciation.
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