Are You Experiencing This, or Just Photographing It?
The Reader’s Edge | Charlie Samways | June 28, 2026 |
I’ve just got back from an amazing time away.
Part of the trip was in Rome, where we explored the popular tourist spots, including the Colosseum and the Vatican City.
As incredible as the experience was, I couldn’t get over how many people were living the experience through their phones.
The only time this wasn’t the case was within the Sistine Chapel inside the Vatican. The reason for this is that photography is prohibited, as flash photography damages the frescoes. Yet, it stood out as a profound and moving moment where people were observing their surroundings together.
As an advocate of intentional tech, I’ve never been someone who wants to preach about never using devices and “living in the moment”. But the astounding history and beauty of these locations really did bring home the modern problem we all face.
If we’re living these moments through our devices, are we actually experiencing them first-hand?
I was lucky on this trip – my phone couldn’t cope with the heat, and just sitting in my pocket in the heatwave drained my battery. This was our navigation and payment tool, so use had to be sparse.
That meant that without having a power bank or another option to charge, I took everything in without taking photos or videos.
As I reflected on this, after each experience, I really questioned what the right balance is for capturing memories and when to embrace the moment.
I can’t criticise someone for taking a photo of a landmark they may never see again, and then feel compelled to take a photo of every meal out I have.
Having enjoyed every moment, I wanted to investigate whether evidence supported the decision I made, or whether I’d missed out on taking photos and videos I’d treasure for life.
The Photo-Taking Impairment Effect
There are two stand-out studies which have captured both sides of the argument.
The first was a study conducted by Linda Henkel at Fairfield University in 2014. The conclusion of the experiment proposed that there was a “photo-taking impairment effect” where the act of delegating memory to the camera allowed the brain to reduce its own encoding of the experience.
On this basis, for those who kept their devices in their bags or pockets, they would have a greater memory of the experience than those taking photos or videos.
A counterargument to this concept came from a more recent study at Yale (Diehl, Zauberman and Barasch) in 2023. As long as a photographer is actively engaged with the images they’re capturing, you can enhance the enjoyment of experiences.
The key nuance of this second experiment is that compulsively documenting does not have the same effect. The photographer must remain intentional.
The arguments are counterbalanced, which means each of us must conclude the place for taking photos and videos in our lives.
This isn’t about banishing your phones, but it is a passionate cry for people to stop living full moments through their devices.
A happy compromise that works for me is asking, “Will I look at this again, or show it to someone who couldn’t be there?” This intentional framing provides a discipline of asking what a photo is for before taking it.
That means I can live in the moment when it counts, and actively engage with a decision to capture a specific moment.
I didn't plan to leave my phone in my pocket in Rome. The heat decided for me. But I came home with something I didn't expect. The clearest memories of any trip I've taken.
This Week’s Question
When you look back at holiday photos, which ones actually take you back to the moment? And which ones just prove you were there?
Reply to me at hello@charliesamways.com. I read every one.
From The Channel This Week
There was no video on my channel last week, but I’m back to releasing content again during the week ahead. So keep an eye out for new videos.
And if you haven’t already, check out my Free Kindle Guide, available to download here
Wishing you all the best this week, and finding the balance for using tech during those special moments.
Catch up next week,
Charlie Samways