A beautiful sunset, a cup of coffee and green juice, a gym session, a concert…and what do we do? We reach for our phones and snap, snap, snap, capturing every angle. But isn’t it the times when we had the most fun, that we take the least photos? And the best meals, when our phones didn’t eat first?
In the age of smartphones, we’re taking more photos than ever. The average person takes about 15 photos a day and has thousands of pictures on their camera roll. Cherished memories rightly deserve their place on the mantle - but research suggests our constant urge to capture everything could be impacting our memory, our ability to stay present, and even how we engage with the world around us.
How Taking Photos Can Reduce Your Memory
When we constantly take photos, we might feel like we’re capturing them for our memories. However, studies suggest that the act of photographing something can actually diminish the amount we can remember. Psychologists call it the "photo-taking impairment effect," where the act of taking a photo offloads our memory onto the camera, so we remember less of the actual experience. In one study, participants were led on a museum tour, asking some to photograph certain artworks and others to simply observe. When tested later, those who took photos had more trouble recalling details compared to those who didn’t.
This phenomenon isn’t just anecdotal; research shows that the more photos we take, the less we remember. So spending 20 minutes getting the best shot might mean a great photo, but you probably won’t remember the moment as much.
Photos as Visual Aids for Memory
Though snapping away can sometimes hinder memory, photos can also serve as visual cues. When used thoughtfully, pictures help us to reconnect with moments we might otherwise struggle to recall in detail. A single snapshot can transport us back, helping us remember sensory details like the warmth of the sun or the sound of laughter in the background.
In fact, photos can even enhance memories from events shared with others. Studies suggest that seeing pictures taken by friends at the same event can help us recall additional details, enriching our memories. This shared experience can help reinforce what we remember, as the photo jogs aspects we might not have consciously noticed at the time. The trick is finding balance: taking just enough photos to capture the highlights without taking so many that we end up watching our lives through a screen.
The Social Media Trap: Are We Taking Photos for Us, or for Others?
It’s clear that our reasons for taking photos have evolved, especially with the rise of social media. Where we once took photos primarily for art or to remember family gatherings or holidays, many now take them to communicate an experience to others. It’s about more than memory; it’s a way of saying, “This is who I am, and this is what I’m up to.” This mentality can push us to capture more than we otherwise would, just to show we’re living life to the fullest.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. For many, taking photos to share an experience is a form of self-expression. But when it becomes a habit, it can lead to divided attention, which is a “memory killer.” Constantly thinking about how a moment will look online can keep us from experiencing it fully in the here and now.
How to Be Present Without Giving Up on Photos
The solution isn’t to stop taking photos altogether; it’s about finding balance. Here are some small changes you can make to enjoy the moment without feeling like you need to capture every single thing:
- Use a Digital or Film Camera: Instead of using your phone to take photos, try using a digital or film camera. This will mean you only have a few action shots rather than using your screen to get the perfect shot.
- Choose Your Moments: Instead of snapping everything, pick one or two moments to capture. It could be that one stunning view or a funny group selfie. By limiting yourself, you can actually engage more with what’s happening whilst still having photos for memories.
- Ask Someone Else to take a Few Snaps: Instead of looking through your own lens and missing the moment, try asking someone else to take a few discreet pictures for you whilst you’re in the moment.
- Revisit Your Gallery: Go back and look through old photos and see which ones you actually cherish. If you scroll past 20 pictures of a coffee and 14 videos from a concert, remind yourself that a lot of moments won’t look as good on your camera roll so why bother taking it.
- Focus on Details: If you’re going to take a photo, try focusing on a unique aspect. This engages your brain, making you more likely to remember the scene while still capturing it.
- Take Mental Photos: We might sound like Parker from Friends (”let me take a mental picture, click!”) but studies show that actively focusing on a moment can create stronger memories. Pause, look around, and absorb the sights, sounds, and smells. You’ll be surprised how much more you remember.
Why Less is More When it Comes to Photos
At the end of the day, photos can be wonderful keepsakes—but the real magic lies in the memories we build, the conversations we share, and the moments we truly live. Taking fewer photos can help us tune in, be more present, and create memories that last. So, next time you're reaching for the camera, ask yourself: do I really need this shot, or is this one best saved for my memory?
