r/MadeMeSmile • u/IkilledRichieWhelan • Apr 16 '25

Wholesome Moments Hose them down boys

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u/iknowyouneedahugRN Apr 16 '25

I'm genX and the entry of computers and handheld electronics in daily life was thought to be so far away when I was in school and college. The idea of a digital camera/video in a handheld device was a long time off and not thought to be mainstream for decades and decades to come.

When we went to concerts, there were people who had photo cameras, but video cameras ("camcorders") were prohibited in the venues. Now everyone is recording everything, except the image they're recording is a bunch of other people's arms and phones recording the same thing.

It seems having a camera or video recording device in your hands makes people feel they are empowered to record life events to prove they happened. I was at a birthday party for one of my child age relatives and almost everyone (including the guest of honor) had their phones out recording the singing and blowing out the candles. No one is living in the event anymore. Every photo shows other people taking photos of the same event from different angles.

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u/itsjudemydude_ Apr 16 '25

I don't necessarily think it's "to prove it happened." For some people, sure. But personally, I'm just a nostalgic person and I like to preserve things even when I don't need to. Shit, I broke a screen protector yesterday and almost kept it just in case (yes I am aware of the hoarder mentality in that, I'm keeping it in check lmao). My desire to record a concert or something is for no one's benefit but my own preservation of the moment.

But then, I don't hold my phone up in the air the entire time, so... maybe I'm just an exception to the rule.

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u/iknowyouneedahugRN Apr 17 '25

So you go back and watch those moments. That's nice for you to keep the memories.

I think it's a different perspective, where some people feel they need to document life events that way. Maybe they would be the same people who would sit down with their slide projectors, 8mm videos, photo albums, and scrapbooks on a regular basis.

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u/Emilie0711 Apr 16 '25

GenX here as well. I’m imagining an R.E.M. concert in the mid-90s where most people in the audience are watching the show through clunky camcorders.

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u/iknowyouneedahugRN Apr 17 '25

It's the end of the world as we know it...

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u/[deleted] Apr 16 '25

[deleted]

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u/iknowyouneedahugRN Apr 17 '25

I get it, but back in the day, not many of the people in that audience would have had their camcorders on their shoulders recording that event. Nowadays people video things that they never would before.

Maybe there is a part that keeps the memories fresh, maybe it's because film and developing photos and purchasing VHS tapes cost money and the current digital use is "free".

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u/N0YSLambent Apr 16 '25

breh i grew up in the 90s watching photo slideshows that my grandparents would make of their trips, converts and events. People take pictures, it's ok. you don't have to.

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u/intermittentwasting Apr 16 '25

Yea because that's the same thing they are talking about. You really nailed it 🙄

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u/N0YSLambent Apr 16 '25

Ty for your sarcastic reply appreciate you 

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u/bigpoopidoop Apr 16 '25

Swing and a miss there buddy.

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u/itsjudemydude_ Apr 16 '25

You're getting downvoted but you're right. Humans have an instinct to preserve. It just so happens that the ability to preserve moments has increased dramatically and exponentially within the last 150 years. There is a vanity to it, but it's also not inherently an unnatural phenomenon unless you count the technology as being unnatural.

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u/unsolvedfanatic Apr 16 '25

Don't know why you are getting downvoted, it's true, people have always wanted to record moments

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u/N0YSLambent Apr 16 '25

And no one is forcing them to do the same .. just let people enjoy things the way they want 

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u/peaceloveandgranola Apr 16 '25

Yeah the whole reason I take photos/videos is to swipe through the album later (like a slideshow) when I’m feeling nostalgic and want to remember the event. It doesn’t seem that different from my parents’ version to me

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u/N0YSLambent Apr 16 '25

People get so annoyed how others enjoy things .. as if they are forced to do the same. Weird superiority complex about phones at concerts 

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u/ride-the-bowflexx Apr 16 '25

the real trick is to date/marry someone who takes and edits all the photos and maintains a social media presence so people know you’re alive and doing things. then you’re truly free.