Attention, Presence & Technology

I bought a professional camera after years of relying on my phone to take pictures. But I never expected to fall in love with photography the way I have. In doing so, it made me reflect on the role phones play in our lives.

In my opinion, a professional camera brings a depth and character that a phone simply can’t match. Speed and convenience are seductive, but sometimes the best things in life take time. I’m not knocking phone cameras; they’re great and capable of incredible images, but the act of slowing down, holding a proper camera, and experimenting to capture a moment intentionally feels unmatched having now experienced that.

Phones are definitely convenient: compact, multitasking, connecting us to emails, information, and security in seconds. They’re brilliant yeah, but I often wonder at what cost. Convenience can erode attention, appreciation, self sufficiency and even our humanity.

We’ve become so attached to our devices that choosing otherwise feels almost impossible. Without them, it’s as if we don’t exist. I’ve often thought about giving up my phone entirely, returning to a simple device where apps couldn’t be downloaded, and maybe one day I’ll be accountable enough to give it all up.

Beyond personal habits, there’s the literal human cost. Children growing up immersed in screens face self esteem pressures, growing anxiety and a reliance on external validation; all contributing to rising rates of mental health issues. So I think Australia made a pivotal step in banning social media for under 16s; where phone usage is sabotaging children’s childhoods.

But maybe the better question isn’t whether phones are good or bad, because that’s something we could argue about in circles. Rather, it’s how their impact exists in shades of grey. Phones can make us more informed, connected, and efficient; as well as the opposite ironically. But credit where credit is due; my phone has enabled me to track and become more informed on many medical emergencies, knowing what needed checking even before the doctor said it. Phones aren’t necessarily black and white, good or bad; they’re a tool, and their effects depend on how we use them. It’s up to us to use them mindfully, rather than as an extension of ourselves, because humans are capable and our specifies navigated life long before phones existed.

And photography reminded me of the value of slowing down and enjoying life without the need for instant gratification. The instant nature of phones can erode our ability to savour life’s unhurried moments; and maybe that’s why we see so much impatience around us: from increasing road rage drivers to everyday conversations.

There’s something deeply satisfying about working for knowledge, piecing it together through effort and trial and error. Technology has made life easier, but what does it teach us about perseverance and learning?

Using a professional camera is more than photography. It’s a way to step out of constant immediacy, to engage with life on a slower level and to appreciate human nature.

Phones aren’t inherently bad. Like anything, moderation is key. And like humans, they are shades of grey; recognising  that they can be as harmful as they are helpful allows us to live with them more harmoniously.