Photo Courtesy of Emine Canpolat
In an increasingly advanced society that places emphasis on the use of technology and media, why is there a sudden popular desire for the usage of physical media again? Haven’t Americans worked so hard to stem away from physical media just for us to resort back to it? And what is so special about physical media that digital media doesn’t have? These are all questions that deserve an answer.
Despite the appeal of convenience digital media presents, there is something special about the experience of capturing a moment through a physical, candid lens versus a click of a button off a phone. The intentionality behind the process is vastly different and the connection between photographer and photos varies dramatically.
Sophomore Jacob Lee, an avid contributor to creative works, seems to agree. “I like having my separate camera because there’s something about the experience of taking a camera and editing [photos] off of your phone that I really enjoy.” For a lot of people, pictures hold memories that create nostalgic moments to look back on. “When I think about pictures from my parents, I have so many physical ones that they have,” Lee states, “and those have always been so special to me, so I just really would like to have that as well.”
However, this sentiment towards tangible items isn’t only exclusive to cameras but also extends far beyond. For freshman Katelyn Iverson, it applies to books. “I generally prefer to have a physical copy of a book,” Iverson states. “I feel more engaged and feel like my reading comprehension is better.” The action of physically flipping the page to a book, a book with pages that belongs to her, ignites a deeper feeling that can’t be felt in the same way as scrolling through the blue light from a Kindle.
Even in the face of the world’s most advanced streaming platforms, vinyls, CDs and cassette tapes seem to catch the attention of devoted music lovers instead. “There's something about this idea of having and owning something that no one can take away from you,” expresses junior Mackenzie Protos. The pride behind being able to physically own something and call it “hers” appeals to Protos more than the idea of having digital media that could potentially one day cease to exist.
Whether you prefer digital or physical media, it's safe to say that each resonates with us in different ways. The personal connection we create with both shapes and forms us into who we are continuously growing to be. “Music is a huge part of my personality and who I am and who God has made me to be,” Protos describes, “and having something that physically kind of represents that is what I enjoy.”
Thumbnail courtesy of Emine Canpolat.